The Brighter Side

All too often I focus on the adverse effects of homosexuality in my life. So, today I’ve decided to write about the blessings or positive aspects associated with same-sex attraction.

For those of you struggling with homosexuality, you might disagree. Let me know. I’d love to hear where I got things wrong.

I’ll start with the greatest blessing: understanding. Because I am dealing with same-sex attraction, I feel like I am a more tolerant, accepting and loving person. I’m not perfect, but I feel like this struggle has broadened my perspective and helped me understand what gay men go through and feel. I come from a very conservative family where homosexuality is abhorred. If I did not deal with these issues, I would most likely be a very homophobic and intolerant person. I’m so glad that I can see both sides of the homosexuality debate. What a blessing.

I think this struggle has also helped me be a more accepting person with regard to other areas of life – i.e., different religions, other cultures, etc.

Another blessing has been a greater respect for women. You may disagree with this view. I believe that because I am not attracted to women, I don’t objectify them in my mind. I feel like I have a greater respect for who they are and what they can do and have done in this world. I always joke with one female friend of her that I am the biggest feminist at BYU. I’m obviously not the biggest feminist on campus, but I do believe women are often treated unfairly and deserve better in this world. That’s a very general statement, but I don’t have time to get into my feminist attitudes.

Another blessing is my abstinence from sex. I’m certain that if I were heterosexual, I would have gotten into trouble with fornication. I’m glad that my homosexual desires have prevented me from being sexually active on either side of the fence.

I also like that I am unique. I’ve always prided myself on the fact that I am an individual and very different from my siblings. All of my brothers and sisters fit into a nice mold, but I broke that mold completely. Though they don’t know I’m homosexual, that is just one more thing that makes me more of an original person.

Anyhow, I must go study. I will keep thinking of the positive aspects to homosexuality. Feel free to add your thoughts as well…