F*&%

There is a huge rift between the religious community and the gay community, and while there is a tremendous amount of understanding from both sides, that understanding seems to be limited and slow growing.  I feel like part of the problem is the religious perceptions of what it means to be gay is blinded by cultural stereotypes.  I would like to discuss one way the general (and I realize this is a huge generalization) gay community may be contributing to the problem.

Maybe it is because of my conservative upbringing, but I have a real problem with the flippant use of the F word, but particularly in the gay community.  Now before you all call foul, followed closely by prude, hear me out.

Yes, it's just a word that only has power to offend you if you allow it to offend you.  But in this case, I am glad it offends me.  I have given it a lot of thought and have come to some conclusions as to why I am so bothered by this.  First, I am bothered because, yes, I have a very conservative religious background, but it goes much deeper.  I feel that the careless use of that word is demonstrating a tremendous lack of respect for religion, a lack of respect that may be very well justified to a lot of gay people.  But I feel that if we ask religious people or religions specifically to respect us and our lives, we need to show some respect as well and acknowledge the offensive nature of that language.

I am also bothered because I feel it contributes to the slut stereotype.  If a gay person is promiscuous in their language, it gives the appearance that they also are promiscuous in their sexual life.  Profane people seem readily willing to screw anything that moves or doesn't move as long as it's not female.  And maybe the fact is that they really don't hold sex sacred, and if it works for them, fine.  I am not trying to judge other people's moral choices.  But having said that, I do think though that the promiscuous party seeker is in truth largely a mainstream stereotype.  I have a hunch that most gay people, just like straight people want a family and a committed relationship.  And a part of a committed family relationship is a monogamous sexual commitment.  For me, sex should be a deeply personal expression of love between souls and a physical manifestation of the deeper relationship.  It shouldn't be something that you wear on your shoulder and flaunt for the world.  As soon as it's in the open, it's not as important.  That being the case, I think that religion tends to view such open discord of sexuality and disregard for the special nature of intimacy as sinful and therefore a threat to their fold.
The dictionary defines the F word as:
verb (used with object)

1.

to have sexual intercourse with.

2.

Slang . to treat unfairly or harshly.

In my mind these two definitions should be contradictions. Sex should not be unfair or harsh, and the idea that this word could have such different meanings is troubling. Unfortunately, most of the world seems to think sexual intercourse is not as big of a deal as it could be. Call me a romantic, but it should mean more.

So, if any of that struck a cord, please just think about it. Think about what sex means and if it's meaningless to you, go on and say what you want, with the knowledge that it is making it harder for the religious society to extend basic rights to "hethans". If it did strike a cord, then please re-evaluate your language if you don't already agree.

Thanks