This WOW! page shows some of the optimistic
and positive aspects of being gay or lesbian.
I am what I am.
The path to God is not always straight.
The Bible accepts same-sex attraction because it accepts men being deeply
in love with men, without any expression of disapproval by God or the biblical
author. In the King David story,
Jonathan was totally in love with David.
Were eunuchs gay men?
It’s possible that Jesus was
referring to gay men when he mentioned born eunuchs – without any
condemnation (Matthew 19:12). Such men
were either not interested in sex or were attracted to other men. More information on the "Born
Eunuchs" site .
Love
Loving homosexual expression between responsible adults is not sinful as such. It is simply the appropriate way for persons of same-sex orientation to express their need for intimacy. All of us should be judged by whether
we express our sexuality in ways that are loving, respectful of our partners' wishes, and contribute to our wholeness as people.
Jack Rogers, former Moderator of US Presbyterian General Assembly October 2003
Orientation
Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people are part of so many
families. They are part of the human family.
They are part of God's family. ….. Sexual orientation, like skin
color, is another feature of our diversity as a human family. Isn't it amazing that we are all made in
God's image, and yet there is so much diversity among his people.
Desmond Tutu, Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town March, 2010
Famous gays and lesbians
Some people who are thought to be gay or lesbian:
Musicians (present) – Elton John Melissa Etheridge
Johnny Mathis
(past) – Cole Porter Tchaikovsky Liberace Freddie
Mercury
Leaders (present) – Klaus Wowereit (Berlin Mayor) Bertrand Delanoe (Paris Mayor)
(past) – Alexander
the Great Edward II Hadrian
Artists (present) – David Hockney
Jeffrey Smart
(past) – Michelangelo Leonardo Da Vinci Andy Warhol
Actors (present) – Lily Tomlin
Rupert Everett Ian
McKellen
(past) – Rock Hudson Montgomery Clift Dirk Bogarde
Writers (present) – Edward Albee Gore Vidal
(past) – Walt Whitman Oscar Wilde Gertrude Stein
Sport (present) – Martina Navratilova John Amaechi
(past) – Bill Tilden Tom Waddell
Religious (present) – Rev Troy Perry
Bishop Gene Robinson
(past) – Jonathan
Some lists of famous gays and lesbians
The Great Queers of History (illustrated)
Wikipedia List of Gay, Lesbian or Bisexual People
(illustrated)
Rob's gay info (illustrated)
List of famous gay, lesbian or bisexual people (profiles)
Being gay or lesbian
Five reasons why homosexuality is
positively good and morally beneficial:
First, homosexuality can be a source
of pleasure, and pleasure is a good thing.
Second, homosexuality can
be an avenue of
interpersonal communication, and this too is good.
Third, homosexuality can be a source
of emotional growth.
Fourth, and related, homosexual
relationships [including sex] promote personal and social stability. … Sex is a
powerful way of building, celebrating, and replenishing intimacy in a
relationship.
A fifth reason: insofar
as homosexuality
challenges deep-seated and irrational prejudices, embracing one’s
homosexuality
can be a powerful act of moral courage. It forces one to think for
oneself and
invites one to transcend rigid gender expectations.
John Corvino
The Virtue of Homosexuality
While gays and lesbians make up
probably 4%-6% of the population, a study of the biographies of 1004 eminent
people found 11% of them to be homosexual or bisexual, with certain categories
higher: 24% of poets, 21% of fiction writers, and 15% of artists and musicians.
David Myers, "Sexual
Orientation and Science".
Always and everywhere a certain percentage of men and women develop as gays or lesbians. They should be considered a part of God’s creative plan. Their sexual orientation is a gift from God to be accepted and lived out with gratitude.
John J. McNeill, Catholic theologian
A long-term relationship between two
men or two women involves much more than sex.
It usually includes mutual love, caring and companionship.
Ray Collins, activist
Being gay is simply a natural characteristic like having blue eyes or brown hair.
Paul Varnell, gay columnist and activist
Positive principles in St Paul’s
letters which could apply to being gay or lesbian:
1 Corinthians 7: 20 Each man must
remain in that condition in which he was called [by God]. (NASB)
1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am,
... (NIV)
1 Timothy 4:4-5 Everything God created is good, and
to be received with thanks. Nothing is to be sneered at and thrown out. God's
Word and our prayers make every item in creation holy. (The Message)
An old Chinese proverb, "When
people come face to face, their differences vanish".
For more optimistic and
positive things see here