Dealing with Homophobia and Sexual Tension (homosexuality, sexuality)

[Radio Frequency X]

A thread was created a couple weeks ago, asking heterosexuals what activities they would feel uncomfortable performing with a homosexual. The result of that poll was quite specific. Heterosexuals on Religious Forums overwhelmingly reported being uncomfortable showering or changing in front of homosexuals, because homosexuals are attracted to the same sex. I have made the argument that this is no different than straight women feeling uncomfortable showering or changing with straight men, for the exact same reason.

For homosexuals: Is this sentiment homophobic or irrational? If so, why? Why should straight males feel more comfortable with homosexuals than straight women feel in front of straight males?

For homosexuals: How does the social commentary regarding homosexuality make you feel and how much/how far commentary can exist before you become uncomfortable?

[Mike182]

i wouldn't say homophobic, and i wouldn't say it is necessarily irrational, but it's a very self-conscious sentiment.

i'm surprised at your conclusion from that other thread though, i thought most people who said they wouldn't do the two things you quoted also said in their posts that they are uncomfortable doing that (or don't do that) in front of anyone else anyway, it's not an issue specific to sexuality.

[michel]

I did say that I would feel uncomfortable undressing in front of a homosexual - but qualified it by saying that I have problems undressing in front of anyone (except my wife, of course) ........ To be frank, I can see no difference between changing in front of a homosexual of heterosexual if I need make that distinction.

Anyway, how would I know ? (I was thinking of the public swimming pool).

[Radio Frequency X]

Originally Posted by Mike182

i wouldn't say homophobic, and i wouldn't say it is necessarily irrational, but it's a very self-conscious sentiment.

i'm surprised at your conclusion from that other thread though, i thought most people who said they wouldn't do the two things you quoted also said in their posts that they are uncomfortable doing that (or don't do that) in front of anyone else anyway, it's not an issue specific to sexuality.

I think a lot of people were insincere in that regard. However, there is a still the question of whether homosexuals find the argument that, heterosexuals can/may/should feel as uncomfortable changing or showering in front of homosexuals, as heterosexual women feel changing or showering in front of heterosexual men, offensive.

Now, without decreasing the importance of this question, I think the separation of the sexes is a negative influence on society, increasing the sexual mystique and leading toward sexual perversions as a result of obsession with that mystique.

[PureX]

I suspect that if we had great looking bodies, we wouldn't be embarrassed by having others see us undressed, regardless of their sexual orientation. The outcome of that pole tells us far less about our attitudes toward homosexuals than it does about our attitude toward our own bodies.

[Radio Frequency X]

Originally Posted by PureX

I suspect that if we had great looking bodies, we wouldn't be embarrassed by having others see us undressed, regardless of their sexual orientation. The outcome of that pole tells us far less about our attitudes toward homosexuals than it does about our attitude toward our own bodies.

I think this is a ridiculously good point.

[PureX]

The only time I have been uncomfortable with homosexual men was when I was using a bathhouse that homosexual men frequented for reasons other than to change swimwear or use the toilet. And my discomfort was directly related to my not feeling safe in that place.

[robtex]

Originally Posted by PureX

The only time I have been uncomfortable with homosexual men was when I was using a bathhouse that homosexual men frequented for reasons other than to change swimwear or use the toilet. And my discomfort was directly related to my not feeling safe in that place.

yeah, that is a good point from a hetro point of view. I have that martial-arts-bad-dude syndrome going on that precludes me from feeling threatened in situation that it would be reasonable for most to be uncomfortable in. Being threatened is something I dont' feel very often in life.

It creates the dicotomy for me where i wouldn't feel uncomfortable in those situations however, I realize and acknowledge that it is reasonale and natural for most to feel uncomfortable about bathing in front of homosexuals for the same reasons women feel that way around men.