Angelus wrote: The great thing about being openly gay (like myself) at the Temple is that no one really cares. I find that a problem with sexuality is that so many people are so quick to place such a premium on it that it becomes so defining. We are who we are. The hallmark of who I am is not my being gay.
I understand and appreciate what you are saying, Angelus (please don't get me wrong). In an ideal world no one (outside the temple) would worry about another person's sexuality, which would make it easier for people to acknowledge who they are without putting additional emphasis on their sexual (and gender) identities.
That said, I think there is certain value in defining who we are as LGBT individuals and that our identities as such are something we should be able to be proud of (the same applies to heterosexual people - I'm not insinuating a distinction in order to separate LGBT people from anyone else).
I'm making an assumption here which may not be true (so please correct me if I'm wrong), but based on the way you've presented your thoughts it sounds like we are from different generations (I'm nearing 40). I grew up in a time where all things gay equated to AIDS and deviant lifestyles and there were no LGBT role models in TV, film, sports, etc.
I think it's wonderful that times are changing. However, I want to suggest that the reason some LGBT people (especially older LGBT people) hold on to and highlight their sexual identity is because a big part of learning about who they are came from overcoming stigmas about being LGBT and finding the courage within to proclaim who they are despite the majority of society fearing and hating them.
The world has come a long way in regard to LGBT acceptance (in a short period of time), but we still have a long way to go. I am all for the type of world that you're talking about (in which people can be themselves without their sexual identities being the primary focus in terms of who they are), but it would be a shame if LGBT people forgot their history and what ultimately brought us to where we are now and will be in the future.
Again, my thoughts are very much in line with your way of thinking. I simply wanted to express that I feel there is significant value in identifying as LGBT individuals and with LGBT culture, and didn't want that to be lost in the overall message.
