I finally went and saw Brokeback Mountain last night and though it was not what I was expecting I am glad I went to see it. It was passionate, honest, real, and bluntly so. It wasn't a movie that had to hide behind plot twists and special effects. It was a heart wrenching story about temptation and the way we fold to societal norms. I am proud to no end of those brave enough to put their name with such a controversial subject, especially in modern America under our conservative president with a track record concerning homosexuality like the gay marriage act. Not only was it pioneering in its open sexuality, but it shed a much needed light on one of the most pervading ignorances of our time. America is supposed to be such an advanced and intellectually superior society and yet the majority of the people I have discussed this topic with have an underlying prejudice against homosexuals. Given, many have progressed to the point where they can adopt a "don't tell me and I don't care" approach but the blatant double standard of disallowing same-sex marriages continues to confound me. I have yet to be given a decent reason why it whould be disallowed. No one has yet been able to present any harm it would cause other then to turn the stomachs of those who swallow the religious tripe condemning this alternate life style.
Humans have advanced beyond needing to reproduce to the fullest amount to survive. In fact, as the population of this world approaches its bursting point, the more couples that make the decision to have less or no children or who are generous enough to take upon an abandoned child of the world are saints in my eyes.
The "it's simply not natural" stand is simply not true as anyone who takes the time to look will find many examples of homosexual behavior in nature. Numerous plants exhibit it, also any species that develops overpopulation or free time, many animals are hermaphroditic, solely self fertilizing or only self fertilizing when there is a need for it. Some birds, beetles, sheep, fuit bats, dolphins, orangutans. Snow monkeys are a key example of homosexuality being beneficial in social hierarchy. Bonobo Chimps, the species most closely related to Homo sapiens, uses sex in all aspects of their culture with both hetero and homosexuality. The use of this argument still perplexes me as upon further questioning the same individuals claiming we should be true to our natural roots will also expound upon how we are separate and above the animal world... So which is it? Should we strive to be natural or are we above it all?
Additionally, homosexuality does not equal immorality. The other day I was discussing my own bisexuality with a friend and he admitted to me "I could never date you because I would be afraid that you would cheat on me with a girl or would want to bring one home with you." I was shocked because I had never considered this viewpoint. After picking up my jaw, I expressed how hurt I was that he had such a low opinion of my morals. Simply because I am attracted to women does not mean that I am some sort of dishonest sex-fiend. It does not change the fact that when I am in a relationship with someone, I am committed to that one person, regardless of their sex. Just as if I was committed to a man I would not cheat with another man or attempt to bring him into the relationship, I would never dream of breaking my trust with someone I cared about by doing thus with a woman. And vice versa if I was in a relationship with a woman. It is a committment between me and that person and there is no place for a third individual in it all, physically or emotionally.
I am loathe to think that I have a disease, that I am somehow evil or sinful, or that I am a bad person simply because I can love a person based on their core worth, not on the structure of their genitals. It seems to me that there is not enough love in this world as it is, why should we limit what avenues through which it is allowed to act? If both partners are willing then what harm is done? Any relationship in which both partners can manage respect and caring for each other is a rarity in this world of obsession towards instant gratification that centers around meaningless sex. I am proud to be such an open minded and accepting person. I am proud of the others in the world who are brave enough to stand up against the societal norm and I am proud of the makers of this movie for putting this into the society's eye.
I know that nothing I say will change the minds of those dedicated to their beliefs. I admire anyone who can posess a value and hold it up underfire. However, I am disgusted by the amount of ignorance and blind hatred in the world. The good news is that this ignorance is starting to be assaulted with images like Brokeback Mountain and those couples brave enough to stand for what they believe in. I have hope that our society will continue to advance and evolve. We as a species have an amazing capacity for adaptation to the changing world around us. It is time for not only tolerance but acceptance. Acceptance of those that follow their heart, be who they need to be, and manage to find love in this forbidding world we live in.
Just my longwinded two cents.
Huggles!
