Issues for Discussion

[kybearfuzz]

Sorry for the double post for the day, but I just remembered two things of interest to share:

First, I was reading in benjiej's journal that Sheryl Swoopes has finallly come out as a lesbian. I read the attached article and Ms. Swoopes doesn't believe that people are born gay. Now, I know that this is a popular debate of sorts. Are we born gay or are we choosing to be gay? It's the standard breeding vs environment discussion. I've heard people give mixed views on this, including several friends. My view is a mix of both, that people are likely born with a gay predisposition and some environmental conditions may trigger it early on. I have no doubt in my mind that I was gay from childhood, having had an attraction to men as early as age seven or eight before I knew was sex was. The theory doesn't fit the varied experiences I've heard of, so maybe the answer isn't so black and white. Your thoughts?

Second, and this strikes a bit closer to home, my office is having our annual blood drive. I dread this every year because of their exclusion of people of "high risk behaviors" for HIV, meaning me and my penchant for sleeping with men. Even though I practice safe sex, the very fact that I have had sex with a man puts me on the permanently deferred roster (not officially as I just don't bother trying to donate anymore). This practice does bug me though. I think of my brothers, each of whom has had unprotected sex in the past and currently, and are perfectly acceptable by current regulations to donate blood, even though they are more likely to have contracted something. The blood mobile arrives next week, but I think I'll try to be working out of the office that day.. ugh... Your thoughts again?

Comments

my 2¢

[divos-voids.livejournal.com]

About Sheryl....makes me wonder if it's the "baby" steps some people have to go through. I remember when I was first coming out....I told people I was bisexual, simply because I thought that might make them a little less critical. I also know that a lot of it has to do with growing up in Lubbock, TX surrounded by conservative Southern Baptists. But, I just hope Sheryl stays true to herself. I've always loved watching her play. She's been a favorite since she played for Tech.

And, the whole blood drive thing reminds me of my first job outta grad school in Atlanta. Which was also my first "professional" experience of testing the waters of being out on the job. (Granted I was WAY out when I worked for the restaurant....but so was half the staff!) I'll admit, I was naive. I went down to donate. I'm reading the requirements. I see the one about "no one may give blood if they've had male-on-male sexual activity since 1977." I'm hesitating. The volunteer comes over and asks if I have a problem. I told her that, according to their criteria, I was not allowed to give. She asks which one. I point. She says..."but since 1977?" It was 1992. I said yes. So, 10 minutes after leaving my desk, I'm back up with an "I tried" sticker on my shirt. My boss asks why I was back so early. End result was that I outed myself right then and there. Oh well.

Re: my 2¢

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

I remember the last time I was asked if I had ever had sex with a man on a questionnaire, it was for an HIV test. I remember I had answered no, and then changed it to yes. The lady looked at me funny and I told her that I had only recently come out and the answer was a reflex from my days donating blood.