Question #1: In your own opinion, what are the causes of homosexuality?
Answer: I believe homosexuals are either born or made. That is, they are caused by two major factors: biological and environmental.
A born-homosexual from birth consistently exhibits such inherent characteristics as being awkward and effeminate. Later in life, he displays fondness and preference for members of his own sex towards whom his sexual urge is directed. But I also believe that this sexual perversion CAN BE CORRECTED by good rearing, education, love and compassion from supportive people, and strong religious faith.
On the other hand, someone, even if endowed with masculine attributes may find himself a homosexual someday due to the following reasons:
- association or perversive relationship with gay people
- having an overprotective or domineering mother or the absence of the father
- homosexual activities and experiences in prison and similar all-male institutions
- poverty--as a consequence, engaging in prostitution (male prostitution with gays)
- other extraordinary events in one's life that led him to becoming a homosexual
Question #2: Do you think it is right to condemn the homosexual person?
Answer: No—if the homosexual is not doing anything immoral but simply living his life, exhibiting homosexual characteristics—that is, acting awkwardly, performing feminine activities, showing fondness for members of his own sex or even caring or showing affection for males. For that is the nature of the homosexual and all those mentioned above which are expected of him are actually harmless.
However, like any individuals belonging to both sexes, the freedom a homosexual person enjoys has limitations. His freedom ends when it is already causing other people harm—such that when he engages in sex with another man, such an immoral act is condemnable—for such act has a lot of evil potentials and unpleasant consequences.
Question #3: What is the stand of the Church and the State regarding homosexuality?
Answer: Both the Church and the State accept homosexuals as members of society. Both extend to the homosexuals whatever support or help they can give—spiritual and otherwise—just as they do to other individuals—males and females alike. As long as homosexuals act in accordance with the accepted norms of conduct or as long as they do not practice sexual perversion (i.e., engaging in sex with another male), they do not offend God. It has been often heard that engaging in sex with another man is “double mortal sin”.
Question #4: How can we—as ordinary individuals—help homosexuals to be productive, desirable and morally upright members of society?
Answer: First, we must accept homosexuals for what and who they are—for all their strengths and weaknesses. We must show them that we care for them; that we appreciate them. Such acceptance will help enhance their self-esteem and make them feel important, wanted and needed. With such positive feeling and concept of themselves that our acceptance of them will give, how can they go wrong? How can they be unproductive, undesirable and immoral?
Comments and Suggestions:
In our present-day society, homosexuals are treated very unfairly. They are ridiculed, insulted and distrusted. In fact, the word “homosexual” itself seems to have been equated with wickedness, eccentricity or anything undesirable. They are oftentimes victims of sexual harassment and discrimination.
But I read somewhere (if I recollect it rightly, from a book titled The Story Behind the Gospels) that “we cannot understand a man unless we look into the many factors that have contributed in the shaping of his personality.” So, we must refrain from prejudging our unfortunate brothers. We must first find out the reason(s) why they behave in such a ridiculous and absurd manner. Who knows such actions are but outlets for their agony—for deep inside, they might be suffering although they prefer to hide those pains under a cloak of sophistication.
There are some homosexuals who want to lead a straight, normal life but are prevented from doing so by the “cruelty” of the people around them. It is thus very ironic sometimes that some homosexuals are condemned for immoral acts which they could have not done had their “normal/heterosexual” counterparts not induced them to do so.
Homosexuals, on the other hand, must try to be more tolerant with people ridiculing them. Instead of giving in to societal pressures, they should be firm in their desire to do good and win the love and acceptance of all. They must remember that they are what they chose to be and how people regard them are but reflections of what they showed them. Too, they must be aware that they have equal rights with everyone and that includes the right to be happy, to be respected, and to love and be loved. With all its hindrances, homosexuals should join and always strive to be good members of society.
Goddy A. Ramirez
Date: 11 September 1995
