Don?t be gay, be a man

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It’s better to be a man, than a man-woman. Being a gay has never seen acceptance in the society. Even though the number of people embracing this form of sexuality is increasing, gayism is still view with a lot of doubts. Is it a sexuality orientation? Is it a mental problem? Is it a modern-day image makeover?

There are plenty of gay men who wanted to become straight. Their orientation was by accident and influenced by the times. There have been many instances when gay men felt that they became gay through some external influences.

Many people think of the concept of gay like this …To become gay is not to become a cult symbol. To become gay is lose manhood and be called a ‘’fag-it’’. To be a man requires a lot of effort. To become a gay does need much effort. This is the sad reality for gay people.

Gay people are seen as un-manly men seeking refuge for their sexual dysfunctions. Gay men are seen in society as men who cannot satisfy a woman. Gay men need to climb an uphill task in answering their critics.

Now the gay wave is slowly receding. To become a gay is no more ‘’cool’’. To become a man is. Now is the sign when men should remain men. The world needs more real men. There is a serious shortage of such people. We need to get back our times of yore, when men used to be valorous as valor can be.

 

 

 

Meeting New People

 

It can be difficult to meet new people, whether looking for friends or people to date. Some choose to participate in church activities with shared beliefs, groups of people who enjoy similar activities, or visit bars and clubs to associate with those in the area. Many individuals who have children, busy lifestyles, or demanding jobs might find it difficult to make time to go out and participate in these activities. Others might elect to join a chat room or an online dating or friendship website. Many of these sites offer searches by zip code to find locals to meet up with at public locations.

If looking for a new friend or relationship, the Internet can be a great resource. Many dating sites offer the option to search for potential gay, transgender, lesbian, or bisexual partners, which allows members to be up front about exactly what type of person they seek. Typically the sites allow users to set up a detailed profile, including hobbies, photos, and interests. Some provide compatibility tests to allow individuals to connect based on these shared interests. After setting up a profile, members of the site can communicate with one another via email, and get to know each other in a friendly manner. After a connection has been established, these people may choose to meet in person.

When meeting in person, it’s always smart to choose a public and safe location. After the first few dates, it is usually easier to gauge the intuition and go from there. Many relationships and marriages start online, and it can be a fun way to get to know multiple people at one’s own pace.

Screenshot of a Roomatic chat room 

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Gay and Lesbian Relationships

Rainbow flag flapping in the wind with blue sk... 

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In the past century, there has been a great push toward equal rights for homosexual couples. In 2006, a study was performed that showed approximately 1/5 of the population has had homosexual feelings toward another person, so it is clearly a huge part of modern society. Some religious sects have beliefs that homosexuality is immoral, while others are embracing the lifestyle and fighting for the rights. Some of these rights include the ability to marry, obtain jobs, adopt children, and enlist in the military. Many larger companies offer health benefits to same-sex partners of employees at equal prices to those in heterosexual relationships.

There are groups of people who work hard to protect the rights and safety of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals. There are laws in place in many of the states in America that restrict marriage between same-sex couples, instead calling them civil unions. However, with activist groups pushing for changes, there have been propositions added to local ballots that allow these unions to be recognized as marriages, and thus allowing these couples the same rights as married opposite-sex couples. Many early theorists discussed homosexuality long before the practice was recognized, such as Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung.

There are some preconceived ideas about those involved in the homosexual lifestyle, but many choose to be involved in committed relationships and live very similarly to conservative heterosexual couples. As the laws change, many of these notions are being washed away and gay and lesbian couples are receiving the same rights and liberties as any other couple.

Queer Theory and Culture

Sexuality and gender identity-based cultures

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Queer theory started it’s emergence in the mid-1990′s.  It was born out of the fields of study of LGBT and feminism.  It is a critical theory used in the critiquing of literary texts.  Like feminism, queer theory challenges the notion that gender is part of the essential self.  It also challenges the socially constructed definitions of sexual acts and identities.  Teresa de Lauretis is credited with coining the term ‘queer theory’.

Many queer theorists set out to deconstruct via literary discourse issues pertaining to gender and sexuality.  The prominent queer theorist is Michael Warner.  Other prominent queer theorists include  Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick, Judith Butler, Adrienne Rich and Diana Fuss.

The main position of queer theory is that identities are not fixed, but are fluid.  Gender and sexual identity are not easily categorized because they are made of of many varying components.  Queer theory basically challenges many labels that are put upon people in society, whatever the persons sexuality may be.

Debates continue amongst queer theorist as to whether or not sexual orientation is a natural and essential part of humans, or if it is a social construct, and therefore subject to change.  For example, over time the term ‘homosexuality’ has evolved in meaning.  This is due to the changing nature in the cultural discourse.  What was once a term for something illegal is not the term for a sexuality.

Queer theory has allowed the interpretation of written text from a deconstructive perspective.  It challenges the societal norms relating to gender and sexuality and will continue to do so, even through the natural evolution of the literary culture.

 

 

Exploring Your Dating Options

Dating can be such a tricky subject. For some people, meeting new people and expanding their social circles is easy. For others, it seems to be an endless array of bad dates and lonely nights.

However, there are many options you can explore so you aren’t left home every night wondering where all the good guys and gals have gone. One of the most effective means of meeting new people is online dating.

Nowadays, with busy schedules and demanding jobs, online dating is a great resource for single people. Here are some benefits to online dating you may not have been aware of:

  1. Meet people who share your beliefs. Finding someone you are compatible with is a tough thing to do! Add in finding someone who shares your religious beliefs as well, and suddenly it seems like all the odds are stacked against you. Some online dating sites will cater specifically to Christian dating or working professionals.
  2. It’s completely safe. If you play it smart, online dating can be very safe. In fact, it’s actually safer than meeting some random guy in a bar. Just be sure to make that first meeting in a public place!
  3. You will meet new and interesting people. You will be able to meet some very wonderful people when you get out of your comfort zone and explore online dating. In fact, you’ll meet people you would never run into with your normal social circles.

It’s time to explore new dating options! Don’t be left behind. Give online dating a try. You never know, you may meet your soul mate!

Resources for LGBTQ People and Supporters

There are several organizations to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) people and those supporting them and the issues important to them.

One of the most recognizable organizations is “The Trevor Project”, which is a national organization specializing in suicide and crisis counseling for LGBTQ youth. The organization provides a phone hotline as well as online resources and live chats for those contemplating suicide. The web site is www.trevorproject.com

The “It Gets Better Project” shows teens that if they can just get through those difficult teenage years, a positive and enriching life awaits them as a LGBTQ person. User-created videos by those whose lives have truly gotten better over time and from allies who support them have been seen worldwide. The web site is www.itgetsbetter.org.

Another group aimed at youth is the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), whose focus is to ensure safe schools for all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity/expression at national and regional levels. The group seeks to make all levels of education a positive experience for all LGBTQ people as they build their future. The national web site is www.glsen.org

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) promotes respect of LGBTQ individuals and provides support for their families and friends. Often, family members attend PFLAG meetings to hear the stories of those with a shared experience, regardless of their level of support or understanding of their family member’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Like GLSEN, it is a national organization with regional chapters. The national web site is www.pflag.org

 

Dress Your Best as a Drag Queen

You are fierce and fabulous and now you need to find the best drag queen costume to show off that personality in all its glory.

Your wig will make the look! Drag queens are known for their hairstyles. Many men don’t have the hair to use their natural locks as the whole hairstyle, so wigs are a very important part of the costume. The more flamboyant your hair, the more you will be noticed. If you are going to be using these wigs on a regular basis, you may want to consider purchasing custom-fit wigs. But in any case, make sure that the wig properly fits your head. Another tip that is important for your overall appearance is to make sure that your real hair does not show through around your wig.

Finding the perfect outfit is just as important as your hair. You should decide what persona or personality you want to convey and go from there. Do you want to be a celebrity look-a-like such as Cher, Bette Midler or your favorite star? Or do you want to create your very own individual character? Check out thrift stores and your family and friends closets. You might just find that old prom dress or bridesmaid’s dress is just the perfect start for your costume creation. Add some more beads, bangles and feathers and you are set. There are also many retailers and online costume sites, such as costumeexpress.com, that can give you inspiration and options as well.

Don’t forget the shoes and accessories. These are important parts of any outfit. The taller your shoes, the more length your body will appear to have. Make sure they accentuate the overall look of your gown. You probably don’t want to wear platform running shoes with that designer evening gown. Add jewelry — especially earrings — to finish off your look! The sparklier the better!