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Thursday, August 21, 2008
Andrew Tallman :: Townhall.com Columnist
Perhaps Homophobia Isn’t a Choice Either
by Andrew Tallman
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Insight 4: No one would choose to be gay

After all, who would choose to suffer discrimination, fear, alienation and family discord? I used to worry that this argument would prevent disapproving of any behavior at all, since it seems to entail the unusual conclusion that the more despised something is the less anyone can be blamed for it. But then I realized that I have been ridiculed, called intolerant and fired from an academic post for my beliefs on this subject. In fact, I’ve often thought how much easier my life in this culture would be if only I could lay down the burden of believing in traditional morals and embrace homosexuality. Since no rational person in the United States in 2008 would choose to be anti-gay if he didn’t have to be, it must not be a choice.

Insight 5: Being gay isn’t a choice anyone ever actually makes

The realization that no one (straight or gay) ever consciously flips a switch to set their sexual preference led me to the recognition that I never chose to be anti-gay. It’s not like I went to bed one night thinking supportive thoughts about gayness and then woke up the next morning committed to opposing it. It’s more accurate to say that one day I just sort of realized, almost to my horror, that I thought gay behavior was wrong. I felt like I had been suppressing my innate moral voice because of social pressure before finally coming to terms with it. On top of my parents both being pro-gay and having lots of gay friends, I had actually taken a seminar on gay theory from Richard Mohr, one of the county’s most prominent gay philosophers. I would gladly have been homo-endorsant if I could have been. But all to no avail. And I clearly can’t un-choose what I had never chosen in the first place.   

Conclusion

I know this column might frustrate some people who will resist seeing how their arguments, if true, have helped me embrace my own unfashionable alternative beliefstyle. But that’s okay. I don’t blame people who criticize me. Thanks to their insights, I’ve also come to realize that their homophobophobia probably isn’t a choice either.
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About The Author

Andrew Tallman is host of The Andrew Tallman Show on AM 1360 KPXQ from 5-7PM weekdays in Phoenix, AZ.

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(256 comments so Far)
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Reply # 1
Date: Aug 23, 2008 - 2:55 AM EST
Nothing left to discuss....
until the next antigay thread in TH.

In a sense, perhaps we should feel sorry for these misguided christian souls. They are fighting for their immortal souls. If they let gays get the marriage blessing, their job on earth would be lost. Then, the great spirit in the sky will be really mad, and send them straight to, you know where. A place where liberals are in charge everywhere, where abortion can be had on demand, and gays are fully integrated in society.
Oh, wait. we are talking about America at the end of Obama's second administration.

So, what do you think? Should we feel sorry for them?

Nahhhh!
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Reply # 2
Date: Aug 22, 2008 - 10:22 PM EST
There's no NEED, IdahoGal
We are in agreement that gays should have the same civil rights as straight people, and in particular, to form unions on which the state confers the same benefits (and responsibilities) as marriage.

You would prefer not to call it "marriage." I regard the name as a minor issue that will, in any case, become a non-issue over time.

You think I'll burn in hell ("bend my knee") if I don't believe in your sky pixie. I KNOW you'll be sauteed for ever in the Great Wok unless you mend your ways.

There really isn't anything left to discuss, is there?

Flag as Offensive
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