Re-thinking Aids

Homosexuality – ‘the love that dare not speak its name’ (Lord Alfred Douglas, lover of Oscar Wilde).

It was perhaps the above quote that ignited my interest in making homosexuality the topic of this article, I am approaching the subject from two viewpoints – that of a person who has recently discovered they are homosexual and needs to reveal this to their family and friends, and that of the parents who have recently discovered that their child is homosexual. In both cases their world has changed dramatically.

In his book ‘Same Sex’, John Corvino mentions that some people ‘often make a distinction between homosexual orientation (being sexually or romantically attracted to…members of ones own sex) and homosexual activity or conduct (engaging in sexual or romantic physical contact…)’. This could be a starting point to explore with those you will be talking to, such as family. What counts for them as homosexual activity – kissing? Holding hands? Gazing into each others eyes over a romantic dinner? As with heterosexual relationships, there are many more experiences that just sexual encounters. What are the stereotypes? Are there any positive role models that can be incorporated into the conversations?  Read more...