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Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!harpo!seismo!hao!csu-cs!denelcor!rob
From: rob@denelcor.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.singles
Subject: Summary: Meeting MOTSS.
Message-ID: <133@denelcor.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 7-Sep-83 21:13:37 EDT
Article-I.D.: denelcor.133
Posted: Wed Sep  7 21:13:37 1983
Date-Received: Thu, 8-Sep-83 12:13:34 EDT
Lines: 42


	After the number of responses to my inquiry, a summary seems
superfluous - the responses I received by mail were generally of an ilk
with those posted to the net.  Most people would feel uncomfortable more
than anything (flattered, perhaps, but more likely just uncomfortable)
when approached by someone of the same sex, though their predicted
reaction would be to try to decline politely.  Many sounded apologetic
for not being able to treat such an incident casually.  All in all, the
concensus was "I might not like it too much, but you have the same right
as anyone else."
	I was amazed at how temperate, even encouraging, the responses were -
even the most homophobic responses refrained from personal attacks.  Yes,
people did try to point out the error of my ways, but most religious
objectors just said that they had a "problem" with it because of their
beliefs.  (A propos of this, see the article in net.books on "Christianity,
Social Tolerance and Homosexuality")  In fact, I would like to apologize to
those people who voiced their (contrary) opinions on the net, only to have
people jump on them.  In a way, I think I didn't hear more on the negative
side because people were afraid of being lanced.  A good sign, I guess, but
I dislike anything that sounds like censorship.
	The questions prompted a discussion on the "rightness" and "naturalness"
of homosexuality, and its probable origin.  Although I was glad to see some of
the facts about homosexuality aired, the discussion is moot.  As several
people have pointed out, not even scientists are willing to draw conclusions
as to its origin, while its "naturalness" can no longer be questioned.  All
that is really known is that a person's sexual orientation is generally
determined by the age of three, and that wherever there are people, there's
a strong chance that 10 percent of them are homosexual.
	I also received mail from other gays on the net, asking if maybe we
should start a net.gays.  There seem to be two problems with this: first,
who would post to it?  Most of us still worry about coming out of the
closet (which posting to net.gays would be tantamount to doing).  Secondly,
creating a net.gays would be stating that we are different or special.  We
aren't.  It is better to keep discussions on "gay" lifestyles in net.singles
or net.social, where they belong.  I must also admit that I feel the visibility
is important.  Nevertheless, if other gays feel the net might be useful to them
in some way, I will be happy to act as a clearing-house.
	My favorite response was "When someone asks me out to dinner, I assume
that s/he's hungry!"
	Thanks to all who sent their replies!

				Robert Wahl {...csu-cs!denelcor!rob}