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Originally Posted by Legendary
I guess what I'm trying to get across is that sexual orientation is a Western term. And as I said before other cultures don't understand it because it doesn't exist to them. I understand that our attraction to others of course has some biological factors however the term 'sexual orientation' is not used by all of the world. Like the term homosexual, bisexual,heterosexual etc.
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Just because some cultures do not contain the words 'sexual orientation' or 'gay' does not mean the phenomena that we understand these terms to mean does not exist.
The Eskimo's have something like 25 words for snow. Just because most of us don't share this awareness doesn't mean that the difference between the many types of snow don't exist. And just because other cultures have no words for same-sex attraction doesn't mean that gay people don't exist.
A culture's bias does not make for a universal truth.
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Originally Posted by Legendary
As for the ex-gay research, I only want to gain understanding of everyone's opinion. I am not trying to be biased. Maybe I should have mentioned earlier that this is what I have come across I've found so far. I still have a stack of books (both for and against ex-gays, and reperative therapy as well as those in between) to go through.Everyone has a voice on this situation, so I'm trying to find my own. I am all for genderqueer expression, and loving who your heart desires. As I've told others before one day i would like to be Legendary. I want to change the world. And in order for me to do that I have to first open up both my heart and mind and here everyone's stories. Because if I limit myself to only one side I'm no better than everyone else.
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An opinion is one thing. A fact is another. Best not to mix them up.
Want to change the world? I like what Gandhi said- and he said it best.
Be the change you seek!
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Originally Posted by Legendary
I am aware what science has shown. But science has many faces. It all depends who's involved. But as I said my research isn't complete. I'm not solely focusing on ex-gay research i am always exploring the idea of human expression (in which ex-gay in nothing but a small portion of).
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Science has many faces?
I don't think so. Science has stacks of facts. Faith and facts are two different things.
Best not to mix the two up.
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Originally Posted by Legendary
I came here not only to speak about my ideals but also to get advice on what I can do to help me find peace with myself and God, because I am aware that i am not alone in this. Please understand I mean no harm, I just have a curious soul and seek knowledge wherever I feel I need it.
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My take is that we find peace by making peace. Also- by having compassion for ourselves and others. Why? Because we can't give what we don't have.
One of the best ways to become more peaceful is via the practice of meditation.