The Inside Story of How the NFL's Plan for Its 1st Openly Gay Player Fell Apart

[pbmax]

the sexual behavior is the issue. Otherwise you're just talking about close friends

The public acknowledgment is not simply about behavior. Its an effort to lead an open and honest life.

There is a natural tension between private and public realms, but this particular public realm remains unchartered.

[mraynrand]

The public acknowledgment is not simply about behavior. Its an effort to lead an open and honest life..

Yes, an open and honest life about behavior. Otherwise there is nothing to be 'open and honest' about. No one would care.

[pbmax]

Yes, an open and honest life about behavior. Otherwise there is nothing to be 'open and honest' about. No one would care.

I doubt no one would care, but the salaciousness the topic lends itself to no doubt helps with the fascination.

[SkinBasket]

I doubt no one would care, but the salaciousness the topic lends itself to no doubt helps with the fascination.

Or does it help keep the gays silent? Because not many men want to stand up at Thanksgiving diner and announce, "Ma, I have meaningful and enjoyable sexual intercourse with men," much less in front of a worldwide news camera.

[pbmax]

Or does it help keep the gays silent? Because not many men want to stand up at Thanksgiving diner and announce, "Ma, I have meaningful and enjoyable sexual intercourse with men," much less in front of a worldwide news camera.

I suspect this is what the Duck Dynasty guy would fear. The idea that being gay is entirely about a specific sexual act. That being gay means simply preferring one kind of sex to another. Its reductive, to make the issue entirely about a distinction rather than a preference in relationships.

I doubt anyone who is gay sees it that narrowly. No adult (straight or gay) who is serious about choosing a partner bases the choice on sexual compatibility alone.

[SkinBasket]

I suspect this is what the Duck Dynasty guy would fear. The idea that being gay is entirely about a specific sexual act. That being gay means simply preferring one kind of sex to another. Its reductive, to make the issue entirely about a distinction rather than a preference in relationships.

I doubt anyone who is gay sees it that narrowly. No adult (straight or gay) who is serious about choosing a partner bases the choice on sexual compatibility alone.

I already said I'm not reducing them to their sexuality, but it is exactly what makes them homosexual. Denying them their sexuality is denying them who they are and is making this issue about something it isn't, or not making this issue about what it is, if you prefer. The emotional aspects are not unique to queers. Men love many men during their lives: fathers, brothers, friends, teammates, fellow soldiers... It is the sexual aspect that defines homosexuality, and last time I checked, that's what we're discussing here. If you, or they, feel that is salacious, then that's not my issue, and is all the more reason that sports, among many other things, is not the arena in which to discuss sexuality publicly.

[pbmax]

I already said I'm not reducing them to their sexuality, but it is exactly what makes them homosexual. Denying them their sexuality is denying them who they are and is making this issue about something it isn't, or not making this issue about what it is, if you prefer. The emotional aspects are not unique to queers. Men love many men during their lives: fathers, brothers, friends, teammates, fellow soldiers... It is the sexual aspect that defines homosexuality, and last time I checked, that's what we're discussing here. If you, or they, feel that is salacious, then that's not my issue, and is all the more reason that sports, among many other things, is not the arena in which to discuss sexuality publicly.

Few people come home to talk to Mom about what sex acts they are performing with their significant other. Maybe around the Basket dinner table things are different, but I strongly suspect that is not the norm.

Heterosexuals generally don't need to come home and define the differences between their girlfriend and sister or mother by number, frequency and type of sex act performed together. Most everyone understands this, few people need it spelled out for them. People also understand the difference between family, comrades in arms and your significant other.

Choosing to focus entirely on the sexual acts is your choice and not a celebration of differences.

[SkinBasket]

Or does it help keep the gays silent? Because not many men want to stand up at Thanksgiving diner and announce, "Ma, I have meaningful and enjoyable sexual intercourse with men," much less in front of a worldwide news camera.

What I meant to say is that few people want to stand up and tell anyone, much less everyone, that they have sexual relations with anyone, same sex or not. I'm very articulate this morning.

[woodbuck27]

What I meant to say is that few people want to stand up and tell anyone, much less everyone, that they have sexual relations with anyone, same sex or not. I'm very articulate this morning.

A homosexual/homosexuals ... do NOT 'have to declare their sexuality'; unless it's of personal choice.

ie Maybe? hiding such creates an internal issue/problem, that such a revelation might as a result, and in return offer support of.