Revealing the truth is in its infancy. Entertainers, athletes, and other celebrities have expelled their fear, and are divulging to the world that they are members of the LGBT community. These acts take courage and are to be commended. I know America well enough that I do not believe most of them will be readily accepted for who they really are.
Religious zealots would like everyone to believe that homosexuality is new, and a chosen way of life. They are in denial that many of our greatest artists and scientists in the past three or four hundred years were gay. They choose to disbelieve the fact that sexual preference is not a choice, and that it is a normal segment of society. They carefully choose passages from scripture which they claim denounce sexual acts between those of the same sex.
In much of Europe there has been little contention regarding sexual preference for decades. But the United States is a young country. Its first residents, long before it became a sovereign nation, were puritans. And, unfortunately, our country continues to support puritanical thinking. In other words, our thought process is trapped in the past.
Current athletes and celebrities who are "coming out' to the public will lead the way to a flood. The youth of America accept diversity with ease compared to previous generations. Importance is being placed on who you are, and not what you are. The time is approaching when news that a gay man may be drafted by the NFL will not make the front page of the sports section. The time will come when the adjective "gay' will not accompany the name of athletes, celebrities, or any individual.
History shows that many of our most beloved movie and television stars, and several of our greatest athletes were homosexuals. Homophobes were shocked when one of the greatest professional boxers of all time was exposed. How can that be? He was tough!
Much of the hatred harbored by individuals and aimed at African Americans, homosexuals, and even women is the result of environment; where they grew up. I grew up in Los Angeles. When I was in the USAF in 1964, a group of us were bussed from Texas to Mississippi. I had watched some of the civil rights efforts on television before I enlisted, but as our path took us farther into the south, I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Places we stopped, such as restaurants, had signs outside with an arrow pointing to the back of the establishment where there were toilets, and said simply "niggers.' All of our meals were delivered to us on the bus, because the black Airmen in our group were not allowed inside. (Contrary to popular belief, not much has changed today.)
Legal rights have finally been given to the LGBT community. This has nothing to do with universal acceptance; that will only happen with the emergence of upcoming generations. Hatred fed by ignorance will never end, until there are no humans left on the earth. Slowly the number of homophobes will decrease as more gay men and women reveal their true selves; when they lose their fear and find their courage.
Nothing has been asked by the LGBT community with the exception of equality. They want to be liked or disliked based on the person they are. They want to have the same opportunities as everyone else, and the right to love the person they choose. "Is that so wrong?"
James Turnage
