Gays and Gay Marriages

Kfmar- you may want to note in your essay that the word "Lesbo" is actually not a bad/swear word! If you do a search, you will get the full greek history on the Isle of Lesbos. There is nothing insulting about it! So when people throw that word out there, it's really harmless (at least in my opinion, they don't know what they are talking about). You may want to put a little poem or quote in the beginning of your essay to introduce the topic. (Or a quote by Sappho). That will grab the readers attention- it's a writer's technique! Good luck!

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Originally posted by leslie
Kfmar- you may want to note in your essay that the word "Lesbo" is actually not a bad/swear word! If you do a search, you will get the full greek history on the Isle of Lesbos. There is nothing insulting about it! So when people throw that word out there, it's really harmless (at least in my opinion, they don't know what they are talking about). You may want to put a little poem or quote in the beginning of your essay to introduce the topic. (Or a quote by Sappho). That will grab the readers attention- it's a writer's technique! Good luck!

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Not to get off topic, but I felt I had to comment here. Many words when taken by themselves aren't bad/swear words. It's the context in which they are used that makes them bad.

For instance the word bitch.....used for many many years to describe a female dog.... then was used as a derogotory term to describe a female human.

Or take cracker. Nothing wrong with cracker. Unless it's being used in a derogatory way to describe a white person.

So it's not the words themselves but the way in which they are used.

I hope that makes some kind of sense?

My point was to say something about the way we RESPOND to words thrown at us as alleged slurs. Take "nigger" a word that is clearly a slur created by white men made to hurt. Or bitch towards women. But when teens are using the word Lesbo- they have no idea where that originated from. They are hearing Lesbo from the streets and simply repeating what they hear; and assuming it is a slur. It doesn't have to be. Like "fag". Gays took back the word. It is no longer hurtful, it means nothing. Dyke is no longer a hurtful slur. (or perhaps it depends on what end of the country one lives on). "Lesbo" is a very adolecsent term. A slur. Insulting but definatly indicatory that someone needs a bit of education....!

Let me clarify- when someone uses the word "Lesbo"- the intent is to BE insulting. The recipient can choose not to be insulted but to be instead, well, simply a recipient of a person who has a lack of the english language (a thug) and chooses to speak like an imbecile. And therefore, there is nothing for which to be insulted.

And since this topic is about gay marriage: Republicans claim that Democrats want too much government interference. Hence the move towards less taxes, etc.. When do the Republicans plan on getting the government out of the bedrooms of Americans? Isn't that a govt. violation of privacy? To say who can marry and who can't? This is only one of many issues.... Since when does govt tell me what to do with my body? I thought the Republican's were about privacy... I guess not......
Does being Evangelist conflict with government? Are we up against separation of church and state? (DUH).

Kay, if anyone could write about this subject, from intellegent view points from "both sides" I'm betting it would be you. I for one would love to read what you come up with. You never cease to amaze me. :)

It has taken me a while to write this and check it and check it again to make sure it sounds the way I want it to.. so.. here goes:

My sister is gay, she has been with her partner for about 9 years. My other sisters, their husbands and myself and my hubby have all accepted their union. We refer to Julie as "my sister's partner" My parents on the other hand, when introducing her to people call her "Barb's Friend"
It upsets them and they don't understand why my parents can't just say "PARTNER"

My sister and her partner had a small ceremony 7 years ago, (It was nothing legal, just a ceremony in a house) with white dresses and all, flowers, my father walked my sister down the isle. My sister even asked me to stand up for her in the ceremony, and I did!
The person doing the ceremony, was a lesbian ordained minister. Don't know how ... but she was and still is. She dresses like a priest, all black with a white collar. Wears robes, and the cloth she wears around her neck over the robe is rainbow striped. I don't know what church they belong to, I don't know anything, because I'm afraid I would just not understand. I was raised catholic, and no longer go to church because I feel the world is going to Hell in a hand basket, and everyone hates each other for one reason or another. Priests can't even be trusted anymore... anyway.. that's another subject.

ANYWAY.... I am torn between my sisters feelings and the rights my parents have to their own feelings. My parents are in their 60's and don't see being gay as being "normal". My parents love my sister and Julie very very much, but they just don't understand the fact that they are uncomfortable with the fact that their daughter is gay. Yes we all are happy for her because she is happy, and they are a wonderful couple, and we all spend a lot of time with them. But I wish that they would realize that just because some people are uncomfortable with accepting gays, does not mean that they hate them, or are against them.

My feelings:
I feel there is nothing wrong with being gay, I have nothing against people that are gay, I get the same sick feeling in my stomach when I see a man and a woman kissing in public that I do when I see two men or two women kissing in public.
I feel the word marriage should be kept for the union of a man and a woman. I feel the words "Legal Union" could be used for same sex couples, not the word "marriage". If my sister and her partner were to tell me they wanted to have kids, I would not be comfortable with it.
So as you all can see.... I have very mixed emotions... I love my sister and accept her as being gay, and I love her partner as if she were my 4th sister!!! But yet still have some reservations on a few subjects when it comes down to it.

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Originally posted by Logan
While recognizing some biblical issues, all are welcome, and that is the way that I have always felt, personally.

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Logan, this is exactly how I feel. :) The bible teaches love and tolerance. I know the subject of this thread is more on if gay marriage should be legal, but I think its also important to know that this as well.

Interesting thread. :)