My sister in law is a lesbian, I have worked with gays (one died of AIDS) and there are gays in my social circle. If you are around them enough, you see that they are human beings just like the rest of us. They have feelings, they are giving (or selfish) considerate (or rude), hurting or happy. I also came to the realization that most of the problems they face in society are not internal as a result of their orientation, but are the result of having to live as a second class citizen in society.
I have no doubt that the gay people I know would choose to be straight in a heartbeat if they could make that choice. Being abandoned by their immediate family, abused at work, yelled at as they walk down the street, in fear of assault are all everyday realities for homosexuals. That also explains some of their activisism (What did I ever do to you?/Why the hell should I put up with this **** in America?), though the ones I know (knew) were pretty much personally uninvolved with any issue, just like the rest of Americans.
I also used to be "revolted" by the thought of two men having sex myself, but recently I turned a corner and found that the cringe turned to a chuckle -- "What ever floats your boat... " The thought of actually engaging in that myself is still revolting, but I no longer feel particularly revolted by others engaging in homosexual practices.
Charon
