StraightNews
New Insights on Sexual Identity
Web site © 1998

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This site is already getting thought-provoking e-mails. We appreciate your input.

Letter 1
     You cannot possibly be serious about this homepage. I'm not here to argue the subject, but I would think that in this day and age, you could be just a little bit less ignorant.
     I hope that you do more research than the 700 Club to back up what you are suggesting.
     I will not include my e-mail address because groups such as yours have been petty enough to list the address publicly with a series of lies and slander. As the saying goes, "Trust an ignorant bigot once...shame on you. Trust an ignorant bigot twice...shame on me".
     - Student in Computer Lab, Georgia State University

Reply
     You raise some important concerns.
     We will provide specific examples to demonstrate homosexuality is not simply fate or genetics. This includes people who successfully changed their sexual identity.
     Our site is new and growing, an entirely volunteer effort. It will take time to offer all the info we'd like to.
     Similar to the concern you raise, some gay activists "out" people to further their objectives. We don't have to let extremists kill mutual respect and open dialogue.
     StraightNews assures you - and all our readers - we will not abuse anyone's e-mail or personal info. We hope to to hear from you again (even anonymously).

Letter 2
     I feel quite compelled to inform you about Dr. Hamer's research performed at the National Center for Cancer Research. He discovered a "gay gene." He also did research providing COMPELLING reasons to show being a homosexual IS nature. I implore you to educate yourself, not only reading the opposing views, but reading his research.
     I also agree people are influenced both mentally and physiologically, causing them to "choose" to be a homosexual. However, homosexuality exists among animals following their urges, without societal pressures to persuade them. Human's are different from animals, but not that different.
     I am worried, as a young gay man, about your potential influence with those looking to you for advice or care. Any attempt to tell someone they are wrong, sinful, or a third-class citizen due to their sexual orientation is, by my definition, inexcusable.
     I challenge you to speak from the stance of "this was my experience, and this is what *I* did," rather than "I'm right, and you're gay."
     - name and e-mail withheld to protect privacy

Reply
     Thank you for your thoughtful input.
     The "gay gene" theory is open to question. There are many genes affecting sexuality.
     There is an eye-opening study of identical twins separated early in life: When one twin was gay, the other was only 40% of the time. This is strong evidence that homosexuality is not necessarily genetic.
     Homosexuality is found in many species, so we can consider it natural. But not everything that comes naturally is in our best interests - or unchangeable. As I'm sure you'll agree, we humans have many urges that can and should be controlled. Excessive greed and intolerance are examples. Alcoholism and other addictions are quite natural, too. They can be difficult to control.
     These examples are not to condemn homosexuals, just to illustrate a point: Sometimes we all resist "what comes natural" for greater good and fulfillment.
     Of course, each person must decide what is best. Accepting a gay or bisexual identity has lifelong affects - and not always happy ones. The longer one waits to explore alternatives, the more difficult it is to change. We offer info to help individual make their own intelligent choices.
     We do not claim heterosexuals are better than homosexuals. Many complex factors make each individual's character. Our sexual decisions are only one part of this, but not an irrelevant one.
     StraightNews believes gay people should be treated with full respect. We only hope activists extend the same freedom of thought and expression they ask for themselves.

Letter 3
     If you really think there is a good chance for you to overcome your interest in men, I suggest you do it. I know gay life is not really as easy as a straight couple.
     - From a man who thinks he'll remain gay

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www.straight.org/feedback.html posted January 30, 1998
Latest revision February 14, 1999

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