Threads of Thought: Conversations on LGBTQ+ Perspectives and Beyond
In a world where opinions paint the ever-evolving canvas of our beliefs, it’s important that we find common ground even when our perspectives differ. The conversation surrounding LGBTQ+ identities is one that stirs passions on all sides, and it’s within the realm of this diversity that we embark on a journey to explore a viewpoint that might not align with the prevailing narrative. Our goal is not to antagonize, but to encourage a candid exchange of thoughts, acknowledging the complexity of the topic at hand.
Laying the Foundation: Understanding LGBTQ+
Before we embark on our journey, it’s essential to establish a solid foundation of knowledge. LGBTQ+ is an acronym that encompasses lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning individuals, along with various other sexual orientations and gender identities.
Unveiling the Origins and Meanings of Homosexuality, Gay, and Lesbian
Homosexuality:
In the mid-19th century, the term “homosexuality” was introduced by Karl-Maria Kertbeny in 1869. Kertbeny aimed to provide a scientific and neutral alternative for discussing same-sex attraction and relationships, countering the derogatory language of the time. The term combines the Greek word “homo,” meaning “same,” with “sexuality,” reflecting its focus on sexual orientation.
Gay:
Originally meaning “lively” or “joyful,” the term “gay” underwent a transformation in the 1960s. It became favored by homosexual men to describe their sexual orientation. By the late 20th century, major LGBTQ+ groups and style guides recommended using “gay” to describe individuals attracted to the same sex. However, it’s often used more specifically to refer to homosexual men, even though it’s also an umbrella term for the LGBTQ+ community.
Lesbian:
The term “lesbian” traces back to the ancient Greek poet Sappho, who lived on the island of Lesbos. Sappho’s poems often depicted love between women, leading to the association of her name with same-sex relationships between women. The term “lesbian” began to be used for this purpose in the late 19th century, influenced by Sappho’s writings and discussions on sexuality.
Bisexual:
The term “bisexual” emerged in the late 19th century, signifying attraction to both sexes. It became a pivotal addition to discussions around human sexuality, complementing understandings of attraction beyond heterosexuality or homosexuality.
Let’s give a light on homosexuality and how it’s effaced us
Certainly, let’s talk about homosexuality and its significance. In Abrahamic religions, it’s often viewed as a sinful act, with those who engage in it seen as cursed. However, it’s crucial to understand that having feelings, desires, and urges towards homosexuality is not a sin in itself. Our beliefs shouldn’t dictate how we feel.
It’s true that our desires and urges aren’t completely under our control. Just like other desires, they arise naturally. However,it’s important not to share these urges openly. You are more than these urges, and there’s no need to define yourself by them or label yourself based on them. They are personal and confined to your heart.
For instance, when someone has anger issues, you don’t often see individuals publicly stating, ‘I have an anger issue,’ as people generally don’t openly advertise their flaws. Similarly, there’s no necessity to broadcast your urges.
In the context of religious beliefs, it’s worth noting that if someone strives to cope with what they consider a sinful urge, it can be seen as a commendable effort. Seeking help from professionals or confiding in loved ones can indeed be beneficial. Repentance is also emphasized in these religions. If someone knowingly engages in this act and later repents sincerely, they may seek forgiveness from a higher power.
In essence, the journey of dealing with homosexuality is deeply personal, influenced by beliefs, emotions, and society.
Unpacking Heterosexuality, Heteronormativity, and Gender Norms
let’s dive a bit deeper:
Back in the late 1800s, the term “heterosexuality” popped up to describe when people are attracted to folks of the opposite sex. Think of it as when a guy has feelings for a girl, or a girl has feelings for a guy. This word is super useful when we chat about the different ways people feel drawn to each other. It’s like a key that unlocks discussions about diverse attractions. And guess what? Heterosexuality is main part of the tapestry of human differences.
But hold on, there’s more to the story. Ever heard of “heteronormativity”? This is about how some folks act like everyone should only like people of the opposite gender. They think that’s how relationships are supposed to be, like following a rulebook. Trouble is, this way of thinking makes people who like the same gender feel left out, like their feelings don’t matter as much. Not cool, right? Some people really don’t like the term “heteronormativity” because they find it hurtful or a hate speech.
Now, let’s switch gears a bit. In certain Abrahamic religions , they believe that God created males and females, and this is a central belief for them. And there’s another term, “cisgender.” It’s like saying if you’re born a boy, you feel like a boy, and if you’re born a girl, you feel like a girl. This idea is strong in those religions and cultures. They think it’s the natural way of things, based on history, reason, and faith. It’s a big part of how they see the world.
Sexuality a Divine Gift
Our sexuality is a blessing from the divine, a precious gift bestowed upon us. It’s natural to experience sexual desires, for they are a part of our human experience. Our Creator designed us with a default setting that inclines us towards being attracted to the opposite gender. Embracing this natural inclination is a beautiful aspect of our existence.
However, it’s vital to recognize that with this gift comes responsibility. Controlling these desires until the sacred union of marriage is a cornerstone of our faith. By channeling our desires into the context of marriage, we honor the sanctity of this intimate bond and fulfill the purpose for which our divine gift was intended.
Biological Differences and the Gender Debate
First, it’s important to understand that gender isn’t just a concept created by society or imagination. Gender means that you might not feel the same way as you were assigned at birth based on your body.
In today’s world, gender is often understood as what you feel or how culture defines it. It’s a bit strange that modern society wants to teach children that they have full control over their bodies, but our religious teachings say something different.
Our religions emphasize that our bodies aren’t just ours; they’re divine gifts.
For instance, while our Lord prohibits harming our own bodies, how can we justify changing our organs?
It’s known that males and females are biologically distinct. You can even analyze their DNA to see the differences. Most people understand these differences, except for some in the current brainless generation.
It’s worth remembering that there are two primary genders: masculinity and femininity. These concepts are important to comprehend in today’s discussions.
“Exploring Transgender: Different Aspects and Gender Dysphoria”
In the world of gender, “transgender” is a significant term to understand. There are three main ways people experience transgender identity: through gender dysphoria, transgender by expression, and transgender by transition.
Gender Dysphoria:
This is when someone feels uneasy because their gender identity doesn’t match the sex they were assigned at birth. It can bring emotional and psychological struggles. If you’re dealing with this or know someone who is, seeking support from understanding people or professionals is important.
Transgender by Expression:
Some individuals express themselves differently from the gender they were told they were at birth. This includes things like their clothes, hairstyles, and how they carry themselves.
Transgender by Transition
This refers to folks who take steps to transition from the gender they were assigned at birth to the gender they truly identify with. These steps could involve changes in names, pronouns, hormones, surgeries, and even legal documents.
Transitioning allows people to align how they look and how they interact with the world to their genuine sense of self.
Exploring Intersex:
And the next and vital term is intersex.and I’m happy to explain them
Imagine that when babies are born, we usually say they’re either a boy or a girl based on their body parts. But sometimes, some babies are born with bodies that are a bit different. These differences could be in their genitalia, chromosomes, or even internal parts.
So, intersex is a word we use to talk about these special cases. It’s like a way of saying, “Hey, not everyone’s body fits into just ‘boy’ or ‘girl’ categories.”
It’s important to know that being intersex is totally okay and natural. Just like we all have different hair colors or eye shapes, some people have different bodies, and that’s just part of the amazing diversity of humans.
Intersex individuals have always existed throughout history. However, in the past, medical practices often involved unnecessary surgeries to make their bodies conform to binary sex norms. Today, there’s a growing movement advocating for the rights and well-being of intersex individuals, including the right to make informed decisions about their bodies.
Supporting intersex individuals requires respecting their autonomy, recognizing their identities, and advocating for medical approaches that prioritize both their physical and mental well-being. These are real individuals who deserve support and rights, distinct from other transgender or homosexual individuals. Although they are rare, with occurrences of about one in thousands, their needs are just as important as anyone else’s.
LGBTQ+ Visibility in Western Contexts
The visibility of homosexuality and transgender identities in Western cultures can be attributed to multiple factors. One of the main reasons is the lack of boundaries in sexual relations. Adultery is relatively common there, and there are instances of sexual relationships between siblings and parents and children. This relaxed approach to relationships might lead to a desire for novelty as people seek something different due to human nature. As a result, the acceptance of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, including transgender issues, may be influenced by these cultural factors.
Sharing My Outlook
As we explore various terms, I’d love to share my own perspective.
From my point of view, homosexuality might be considered by some as straying from what’s traditionally seen as natural. Imagine a scenario where only males inhabit an island – reproduction could become a challenge due to the absence of eggs. Similarly, if the island were populated solely by females, the lack of sperm would pose a reproductive hurdle.
This viewpoint suggests that deviating from nature’s norms might have its repercussions. Additionally, in the past, certain Abrahamic religions have viewed homosexuality unfavorably.
The divine cursed those who are biologically men but present themselves as women, and the same goes for those who are biologically women but identify as men. It’s viewed as a psychological disorder.
I often hear people saying that God’s love transcends boundaries and encompasses the love we share with others. However, the type of love you’re discussing appears to be more akin to perverted sexual behavior, rather than genuine love. This perspective focuses primarily on physical aspects and bodies, which isn’t aligned with the standards set by our Lord. The standard you’re describing seems to be more about lust and surface-level attractions. Some individuals who follow this path might be living lives that deviate from the natural order and, in doing so, may disrupt or corrupt our inherent human nature.
Understanding Youth Gender Discovery
In today’s Western culture, there’s a trend of allowing children to choose their gender. This leads to a question: while kids need parental permission for activities like drinking wine, going to clubs, or even going outside, changing genders doesn’t require parental consent. This could be seen as hypocrisy on a significant level.
Allowing kids to explore their own identity by themselves is crucial, rather than forcing them; however, around 80 percent might not undergo a gender change when they mature.
My journey
Just like how I, during puberty, enjoyed activities that some might consider ‘boyish,’ it didn’t mean I wanted to become a boy. I also appreciated traditionally masculine things like chain bracelets and cologne. Despite that, I embraced being a girl, born as a girl. Girls exhibit their strength in unique ways; emotionally strong and patient, with potential distinct from boys. We each possess our own strengths.
To me, altering one’s gender might be seen as a concept that defies common sense.
Advocating Respect and Dignity for All
Respecting everyone with dignity also entails acknowledging that not every feeling or desire requires action. Personally, I do not support the LGBTQ movement because celebrating what my beliefs consider divine prohibitions contradicts obedience and social cohesion. I strive to steer clear of both extreme advocacy and mistreatment. My approach involves offering prayers for these individuals, hoping that our Lord will guide them. I also attempt to convey my perspective in a way that minimizes any potential hurt.
It’s important to remember that this perspective is uniquely mine, and I’m open to hearing your thoughts too!
