You know, I was thinking about that post this morning. I was thinking how important is heterosexuality or homosexuality? In terms of knowing about it? Well it's very important if, like many people, you are looking to become intimate with someone. As a woman, I might really want to know someone was homosexual right away so I didn't embarrass him or myself, by asking him out or trying to get him interested in me. (Or if it was a her, and she wanted to go out with me, I'd want to let her know right away that it wasn't a date- I think that could be really really important). As a friend I would want to know, because I would want to make sure I always put "bring your significant other" on any invitation, and I would probably make clear that our house is an open place, where all people can feel comfortable with their partners. Since many people are not comfortable with gay couples I would want to make it very clear that my husband and I are. Our daughter's godmother is a lesbian, and one of the reasons we are such good friends is that I went out of my way, after I found out she was gay, to let her know I was comfortable with her and her partners. I always ask about her partners by name. I always write to both partners on the Christmas cards. When I invited her and her partner over for dinners I always mentioned both of them. I think it was really important for our friendship that I knew she was gay and that I made some extra effort to assure her she was accepted just as she is. So YES- it could be like one of the top 5 things to know about someone.
Edit- of course if you don't plan on being friends with anyone of another sexual orientation, or making your friends comfortable, or if you don't mind awkward dating situations, I guess you could think it wasn't important. |
