This B/S appears to matter a lot to me so I will say it, whether you read it or not is up to you.

It is possible for anyone with imagination to understand perfectly well how someone else might feel, even if they have no first hand knowledge of that situation. Throughout history, the artists in all of the art forms have demonstrated this. Some would argue that this is the sole purpose of art.

It is also possible for white, males to be also members of many minority groups and therefore to understand exactly what that means. There are many minority groups that are not based only on race, gender and sexual preference and are we not all in a minority group of one?

The minority group I referred to earlier, those with disabilities, have struggled to shake off scorn, rejection and prejudice and though there is still a long way to go have largely succeeded in being accepted as the same as everyone else, by society. Which is clearly what they want and they have made they perfectly clear to society.

However if and when they have finally done this, unfortunately the individuals will still have their disabilities.

I contrast this with 'the gay society, scene, community sub-culture', which I have a problem with, not gay people, which I do not..

This grouping only exists as a reaction to society's inability to accept and support gay people. So gay people group together and support each other. I don't have a problem with that either, if it is a temporary position on the way to full integration.

Gay people are not disabled, they are not cursed and they are not blessed either. The actual difference between homosexuals and heterosexuals (and all points in between) is a very small one indeed. It is something that I think can get overlooked by all. The longer this present situation continues however the bigger that difference appears to be, the gap widens and that is what concerns me.

I honestly believe that society is generally pretty much ready now to accept gay people and couples. I do not think that it quite so ready to accept 'gay society', but then why should it, for 'gay society' excludes them?

From my own personal experience 'the gay community' is a very attractive place to be, for those that have never felt there belonged anywhere, this is quite understandable. It is safe and it appears to provide most if not quite all of the answers...... It is not however a faith or a religion or an end in itself.If society were ever to fully accept gay people there would be no need for such a grouping. Which I can understand seems to be a pretty scary proposition for some?

It is very important to decide what it is you want and to ensure that society is clear what that is.

I feel we have come to a cross-roads. When we come to the point where we are, or are proposing more legislation especially for and of behalf of the 'gay community' and for all the right reasons.

The important thing to note however is when objections and reservations are coming from those who have been in support and where you would expect to be supported. We have seen a few of them here and they are not from 'the usual suspects' but from people who care. It would be wise to listen to their concerns and resist the temptation to railroad them.

For it is the support of all the people, that is needed. It would be folly to alienate them/us.

If I have polarised things here, I am sorry, for it is that polarisation on all issues, everywhere that I am most against................. I just try my best..........If you cannot understand what I am trying to say because of the way I have expressed it, give me the benefit of the doubt and ask, please don't assume the worst. Judge me by what I say and not by what you think I am saying or because you suspect some sinister hidden motive.