Hello, My name is Ted!

[contralomundo]

Hi, I'm new here. I'm gay, but I really hate that term, for a variety of reasons. I'm really concerned about what the Bible is percieved to say about homosexuality, so I'm currently doing extensive research into the topic. I'm looking forward to some very interesting conversations!
Bye, Ted

[Gennee]

Hi Ted and welcome to Soulforce. Ted, I posted a website below which may help you in your research. A good friend of mine did extensive about the subject.

www.epistle.us

Click on 'Homosexuality and the Bible'. Good luck in your research.

Gennee

[tdogg]

Hi Ted

The most comprehensive book I've seen so far is "Christianity, Social Tolerance and Homosexuality" by John Boswell. There is an appended section on Biblical translation. I think you'll find it to be a great research tool, along with other recommendations.

So, a couple of questions. Why don't you like the work 'gay'? And whereabouts in California do you live?

Nice to meet you.

[contralomundo]

Hi, Tdogg. I have a problem with the term 'gay', because it suggests that I am a different creature than a man. You can say that it's too much of a stereotype. I prefer people to get to know me and accept me for who I am, and not be distracted by a label. Thousands of years of world history show that same-gender attractions were normal and natural, and didn't need terminology to describe them.

[contralomundo]

Also, thank you Gennee for the link to the website!

[BruceChris]

O.K., you've got the ball, what would you suggest? I think anything has got to be better than GLBTQIAetc, which I think includes everybody.

Peace and Love, Bruce Chis

[tymejumper]

I really like GenderQueer, or Queer.

[scott snedeker]

I like Faerie. Or more specifically Radical Faerie (see radfae.org or google Radical Faerie)

It's irreverant, magical, special, kind and unattached to mainstream mores.

We even have our own Movie on Netflix: Shortbus


But for non-faerie folk I think "Capacity for same gender intimacy" is accurate and descriptive without attachmaent of prejudice.

In Heinlein's I Will Fear No Evil there were six genders. In Ancient Indain we were "TRTIYA PRAKTI" or third natue In the Oxoaca tribe in Mexico we are Muxes.

Zen and most other Buddhist traditions do not treat us any different than others. Capacity for love is the Buddha nature that all who study try to develop awareness of. This aspect of humanity's capacity for love simply is. To attach loathing or judgement to what simply exists is Unbuddhist in that hinders awareness of love.