tritium

Hmmm ... even though I possess a decent control for the English language, I struggle now to string together the correct words to convey my thoughts on the issue ... I have been unable to find neutral language so far, so I only preface this message with a flimsy warning.

Warning: Do not become offended.

I have been involved with a mission work of sorts inside a Christian church and have had contact with similar "leaning" people. To further preface the remainder of this message, I must state that while I do not agree with that life choice and do not support it, however, I choose to support the people involved. If that sounds confusing, think of it as feeding and clothing a drunk but not giving him money to continue his addiciton.

Far too often, men (the people with which I have the most experience) are isolated in society and this isolation leads, in my opinion, to some of the highest rates of mental illness in a demographic (only black women are higher). We, as a nation and society, should be more careful in our dealings with these individuals and be mindful that sexuality does not necessarily make bad people.

It is unfortunate that you had the experience that you did. I regret his actions, and, in fact your later actions as well. Your shallow stereotypical analysis has furthered the alienation that these people endure on a daily basis. Understand that what you encountered was likely an isolated case performed by an isolated individual. A scorned woman could have just as easily committed the acts that you describe. It really was not the "gay man" that was injuring your reputation, it was the emotionally imbalanced and disturbed man that did.

In the grander scheme of things, I have seen and had to minister to far worse of people. I know what could have been, but fortunately was not.