I haven't posted in quite a while here at the Lurker Lounge, wonder if anyone still remembers me...
Anyhow, I'd just like to make a few additional comments:
Our concept of dress is a cultural distinction.
In the land of America, where multiple cultures interact, I would think there would be a greater understanding of this concept. Cross-dressers are a minority culture and I've not seen many laws that prohibit how a person should dress unless they express messages that are a clear and present danger. If a man chooses to dress in a skirt, why should it be any different than if a woman decides to wear a tie? There are the kimono's of Japan and the grass skirts of Hawaii, both useable by men and women, no one seems to flinch at the sight of men wearing those. I'm sure others could bring up examples, but the acceptance of those things were cultural and perhaps gradual.
Cultures evolve. Ours is supposed to be evolving into one where men and women are equal, but there are several statistics that can point this to still be far from the truth. I understand that there are certain things that men and women cannot do that the other gender can based on biology, but since when has how one dresses been restricted by biology? Are there still people clamoring about women wearing skirts down to their ankles? Why the big deal about feminizing men when we've been masculinizing women? Why is it logical to discriminate against men because men's clothes have been deemed "uni-sex" but not women's clothes? Have you ever tried a skirt in the summer? It's really comfortable!
Homosexuality occurs in nature and not just with humans.
I learned this in Physical Anthropology. Look up Biological Exuberance: Animal Homosexuality and Natural Diversity by Bruce Bagemihl, St Martin's Press, New York (1999). It's got wonderful studies on homosexual behavior when it comes to animals in general, and more relevantly on our closest relatives according to DNA markers: the great apes. Bonobos, in particular, are prone to homosexual and bisexual behavior.
Sex feels good. Physical stimulation of the body is pleasureable, so why is it that sexual interaction should only be restricted to unions that can bring about children? Homosexuals can still have sex with someone for the purposes of having a child, but they might just out and out enjoy sex with their same gender more. It has been noted that species with higher brain functions (dolphins, apes, and man) are the creatures that are most likely to engage in sex simply for pleasure and not the need to procreate. Limiting our social interactions simply because of a falsely perceived biological limitation like it's supposed to be there for the act of procreation isn't right. The male penis isn't a limited organ. It allows for waste disposal and procreation, but it also allows for simple pleasure.
Anyhow, I'm certain there are other points other people can make, I'm just going to go back to lurking.
-Grim-
Anyhow, I'd just like to make a few additional comments:
Our concept of dress is a cultural distinction.
In the land of America, where multiple cultures interact, I would think there would be a greater understanding of this concept. Cross-dressers are a minority culture and I've not seen many laws that prohibit how a person should dress unless they express messages that are a clear and present danger. If a man chooses to dress in a skirt, why should it be any different than if a woman decides to wear a tie? There are the kimono's of Japan and the grass skirts of Hawaii, both useable by men and women, no one seems to flinch at the sight of men wearing those. I'm sure others could bring up examples, but the acceptance of those things were cultural and perhaps gradual.
Cultures evolve. Ours is supposed to be evolving into one where men and women are equal, but there are several statistics that can point this to still be far from the truth. I understand that there are certain things that men and women cannot do that the other gender can based on biology, but since when has how one dresses been restricted by biology? Are there still people clamoring about women wearing skirts down to their ankles? Why the big deal about feminizing men when we've been masculinizing women? Why is it logical to discriminate against men because men's clothes have been deemed "uni-sex" but not women's clothes? Have you ever tried a skirt in the summer? It's really comfortable!
Homosexuality occurs in nature and not just with humans.
I learned this in Physical Anthropology. Look up Biological Exuberance: Animal Homosexuality and Natural Diversity by Bruce Bagemihl, St Martin's Press, New York (1999). It's got wonderful studies on homosexual behavior when it comes to animals in general, and more relevantly on our closest relatives according to DNA markers: the great apes. Bonobos, in particular, are prone to homosexual and bisexual behavior.
Sex feels good. Physical stimulation of the body is pleasureable, so why is it that sexual interaction should only be restricted to unions that can bring about children? Homosexuals can still have sex with someone for the purposes of having a child, but they might just out and out enjoy sex with their same gender more. It has been noted that species with higher brain functions (dolphins, apes, and man) are the creatures that are most likely to engage in sex simply for pleasure and not the need to procreate. Limiting our social interactions simply because of a falsely perceived biological limitation like it's supposed to be there for the act of procreation isn't right. The male penis isn't a limited organ. It allows for waste disposal and procreation, but it also allows for simple pleasure.
Anyhow, I'm certain there are other points other people can make, I'm just going to go back to lurking.
-Grim-
Kwansu, dudes! - A whole bunch of Patu San citizens.