Lesbian in the Locker Room-To be young, gay and outcast in Banning

L.A. Weekly ^ | 1/9/03 | Judith Lewis

[moyden]

Bull Dyke Alert.

[Luis Gonzalez]

How come this is NEVER the chick in the story?

[Remedy]

No, because I have to stand up for what I believe in.

The Three Myths About Homosexuality

Myth #1

Homosexuality is normal and biologically determined.

The truth...

There is no scientific research indicating a biological or genetic cause for homosexuality. Biological factors may play a role in the predisposition to homosexuality. However, this is true of many other psychological conditions.

Research suggests that social and psychological factors are strongly influential. Examples include problems in early family relationships, sexual seduction, and sense of inadequacy with same-sex peers, with resulting disturbance in gender identity. Society can also influence a sexually questioning youth when it encourages gay self-labeling.

Myth #2

Homosexuals cannot change, and if they try, they will suffer great emotional distress and become suicidal. Therefore, treatment to change homosexuality must be stopped.

The truth...

Psychotherapists around the world who treat homosexuals report that significant numbers of their clients have experienced substantial healing. Change has come through psychological therapy, spirituality, and ex-gay support groups. Whether leading married or committed celibate lives, many report that their homosexual feelings have diminished greatly, and do not trouble them as much as they had in the past.

The keys to change are desire, persistence, and a willingness to investigate the conscious and unconscious conflicts from which the condition originated. Change comes slowly, usually over several years. Clients learn how to meet their needs for same-sex nurturance and affirmation without eroticizing the relationship. As they grow into their heterosexual potential, men and women typically experience a deeper and fuller sense of themselves as male or female.

If some homosexuals do not wish to change, that is their choice, yet it is profoundly sad that gay-rights activists struggle against the right-to-treatment for other homosexuals who yearn for freedom from their attractions.

Myth #3

We must teach our children that homosexuality is as normal and healthy as heterosexuality. Teenagers should be encouraged to celebrate their same-sex attractions.

The truth...

Scientific research supports age-old cultural norms that homosexuality is not a healthy, natural alternative to heterosexuality. Research shows that gay teens are especially vulnerable to substance abuse and early, high-risk sexual behavior. It does far more harm than good to tell a teenager that his or her attractions toward members of the same sex are normal and desirable. Teens in this position need understanding and counseling, not a push in the direction of a potentially deadly lifestyle.

[Tacis]

I guess this is the part about homosexuality that has always annoyed me more than anything else. A fairy gets to take showers with the objects of his/her lust, but just let me try to get into the girls' locker room...

[AppyPappy]

It's a fact of life and people just need to deal with it. When I shower at the gym, I never bother to wonder who is "checking me out" even though there are several gay men who work out there. Female gyms have the same situation. Worrying about such things is unnecessary worrying

It is not "normal" to wonder about such things IMHO. You should hear what is said in a football locker room.

[Bob]

Bull Dyke Alert.

I could be wrong but it looks more like it should be a Drag Queen Alert to me.

[Luis Gonzalez]

"www.gay-ireland.com"

Them's not lassies, them's laddies!

[Guillermo]

An 8th grade lesbian?

Are they kidding me?

[mg39]

"What about the other girls who don't want this jr. nasty dyke eyeballing them with sexual interest?"

They should shut the hell up or better yet, tell anti-gay bigots like you to get lost.

[Luis Gonzalez]

Actually, that's the football team in the school this "person" now attends.

[hellinahandcart]

Um...moyden, I don't quite know how to break this to you, but---there isn't a bull dyke anwhere in that picture.

[AppyPappy]

Is she a lesbian? If so, SO AM I!!!

[mg39]

"How come this is NEVER the chick in the story?"

Because it would drive straight men to tears. ;)

[Clint N. Suhks]

The new American way - declare yourself a member of a special interest group…

Declare is right, if one can simply SAY they are special status we then have the beginnings of a chaos. If discrimination for behavior can be the focus of bigotry then I’m a soccer bigot.

[moyden]

Oops. Sorry. Kinda hard to tell the difference. Can't tell my Janet Reno from my Geraldine.

Still, Janet Reno would fit right in.

[APBaer]

"but just let me try to get into the girls' locker room.."

LOL,
You forgot about the restraining order already?

[Luis Gonzalez]

I took one look at that picture (my picture, not the one in the story), and came to the hard realization that I am a lesbian trapped in a man's body.

[Hillary's Lovely Legs]

I must live a sheltered life. I had no idea that 12 and 13 year olds were 'coming out' as gay, lesbian and Bisexual. I am gobsmacked.

[AnnaZ]

A bad cough caused by breathing in her cousins’ secondhand smoke at a family party interrupted her frequently.

 

Oh, b-rother! Whine-o alert! Something tells me it's not worth reading any further.

[MineralMan]

Uh...those are guys, not women. Not bull dykes, either. Rather, you'd call them drag queens.