| | Thank you so much to everyone who has taken the time to respond on this thread and particularly to those who responded to Steven D's comments. As is usual, you all get it.
FYI, Sciabarra, I've read the 'homonograph' and it's in fact how I discovered SOLO. So thank you to you and Linz for that.
Steven, I nod to your comments in (perhaps surprising) sympathy but disagree entirely with your conclusions. The truth is, being gay *is* an aspect of my life, goddamnit. It influences more than you'd think (*especially* if I intend to find a mate). It does not make me who I am but it certainly is a part of my identity. And it's fundamental, meaning it influences many aspects of the structure of my life. Your comments about collectivism are completely misplaced and have already been answered well on this thread. And where oh where in any of *my* writing on this topic have you seen anything about "sticking together"? Coming together, yes, but that's different than "sticking" together. The former is about shared interests and discussions, the latter about ghetto-izing oneself.
And the truth is, being gay *is* different than the color of one's skin. *I've* never pretended otherwise, and my writing so far on this site on this subject has demonstrated as much. As I stated above, it influences a lot more than just who you boink.
The only thing I can say is, join the group and see for yourself if you think it's unnecessary.
Regarding "SOLO-Sexuality", I did not feel comfortable with leading such a group because a) the discussions I plan to spearhead as group leader will be in the aspect of homosexuality - you can do that when you head a group, and it's the aspect from which all of my research, knowledge, and experience comes; b) I did not want to be accused of "hijacking" a discussion of sexuality with the focus on that aspect; and c) there is much more to be discussed then just the narrowly scientific "sexuality."
I'm qualified to discuss the aspect of sexuality I plan to focus on - and if Tim Sturm is to be believed, I'll soon become even more qualified. One can only hope.
To those straight members interested in the group, if I haven't made myself clear let me state again that the group is for everyone interested and not just to gay and lesbian members. Though I daresay you should probably "come out" as a straight when you join. And David Elmore, I've heard you say "fabulous" and you're allowed to use it - though speculations may follow. Come to think of it, maybe we need a special survival guide for you straight fellow travelers; it will of course include our initiation rites. :-)
Jason
|
|
