I have to disagree with some people's views of GfS. He/she is erudite and very often insightful. Some things push our buttons. I disagree with GfS's view in that specific regard, but that isn't enough to make me agree that GfS should be pilloried (sp?).

A good friend of mine on Mudcat is Akenaton. We go back about five years and he speaks against homosexuality. He's a wonderful guy.

Another is Teribus. He speaks his mind in no uncertain terms and he backs up his statements. I like the guy. Period. We go back about four.

Another is Amos, and he was instrumental in me being here at all today because when my world fell apart he wrote to me lots and helped me put it back together--please give him shit for that via personal message.

The 'issue' of homosexuality is complicated. It's rife with prejudices of the past; with cruel jokes and bad 'humour'. As a teacher (when I was a teacher), I had many students who told me they were on the verge of committing suicide because they were NOT allowed to be accepted for who they were/are. They heard the 'jokes' and remained silent, because we all damned well know there is little mercy amongst teenagers.

I have friends whom I love who are homosexual. I feel NO diminishment in my 'masculinity'. They are friends, and the reality of our friendships do not involve sex. Hell, I even have FEmale friends whom I love.

Amos has nailed it, imo. When we open the door and allow people to be stigmatized--I have a child who has had that happen to her (special needs)--based on her 'differences', and I think, "What a pity those people don't see the beauty in her, the intelligence, the brilliance. It breaks my heart, but it does not break my will.

I have friends--real friends on Mudcat who read this type of thread, and it hurts that they do. They are--GASP--homosexual. I don`t ask that people change their views, but I do ask that they be somewhat kinder in voicing their criticisms.

Regardless of which side of the Great Divide they are on.

Bruce Murdoch