Gay
men and women have come a long way in the equality stakes since I was a schoolboy
and young man forced into a cold, dark, closet because gay relationships were a
criminal offence here (until 1967). Even so, many gay people around the world remain
in that closet because they are growing up in a gay-unfriendly home and/or school
and/or work environment.
I am nearly 70 now but well recall dreaming about being openly gay. Making dreams come true, though, is
easier said than done; there is nearly always a price to pay. It is invariably a price worth paying, in the longer term at least. In the shorter term, it can
take some family members and friends a while to get used to the idea; sadly, of
course, some never do.
I
often receive emails from gay men and women who seem to think I am living in
the Dark Ages and assure me no one has a problem with same sex relationships
these days. Where no one has a problem with their relationships, I am very happy
for them. Unfortunately, it is not true for everyone. [If 'gays have never had it so good' why is it that many gay men and women continue to marry each other to keep certain family members, so-called 'friends' and religious/community leaders off their backs while pursuing as great a degree of self-fulfillment in sexual relationships as any closet relationship will allow?]
As I have pointed out before, and it is worth repeating, same sex relationships remain a criminal offence in many countries; in some, punishable by death.
Even where gay relationships are legal, not everyone approves or hesitates to express their contempt, especially when taking certain socio-cultural-religious views into account. While I hope most if not all gay readers will enjoy the blog, it is especially intended to encourage gay boys and girls, men and women to feel GOOD about themselves where only too often others, even loved ones, remain inclined to despise them for it. (I may have been openly gay for many years now, but recall only too well how that feels.)
Being gay is not a personal choice, but simply how we are. Our only choice turns on how far we are prepared to admit even to ourselves that we are gay, and what (if anything) we are prepared to do about it.
No one should be condemned for coming out of the closet; similarly, no one should be condemned for remaining in it for whatever reason. We all have freedom of choice. Sadly, few of us are always able to choose freely.
As I have pointed out before, and it is worth repeating, same sex relationships remain a criminal offence in many countries; in some, punishable by death.
Even where gay relationships are legal, not everyone approves or hesitates to express their contempt, especially when taking certain socio-cultural-religious views into account. While I hope most if not all gay readers will enjoy the blog, it is especially intended to encourage gay boys and girls, men and women to feel GOOD about themselves where only too often others, even loved ones, remain inclined to despise them for it. (I may have been openly gay for many years now, but recall only too well how that feels.)
Being gay is not a personal choice, but simply how we are. Our only choice turns on how far we are prepared to admit even to ourselves that we are gay, and what (if anything) we are prepared to do about it.
No one should be condemned for coming out of the closet; similarly, no one should be condemned for remaining in it for whatever reason. We all have freedom of choice. Sadly, few of us are always able to choose freely.
GETTING REAL WITH DREAMS
Moon
on still waters,
sky
the deepest blue,
no
stars to guide me,
only
dreams of you…
Moon
myths exploring
all
shades of sexuality,
calling
us out by name,
affirming
our humanity
Moon
on still waters,
bringing
us together,
gay lovers redefining
our happy-ever-after
Moon
myths exploring
human
time and space,
saluting
its gay history,
boldly
marking its place
Moon
on still waters,
living,
eternal, womb
for
the Spirit of Love,
Earth,
its lasting tomb
Copyright R. N.
Taber 2015
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