Obviously, there will be a large cluster of both men and woman near the center who, while they know they are attracted at times to their own gender, still prefer union with sexual opposites. This includes transgender individuals. The numbers below the bottom line represent standard deviations from the norm.
At first glance, it might seem that the curve should be drawn so that it is somewhat flat on top and skewed to each side (female and male). But as it is drawn above where most men and women are in the center, it would seem both sexes react to the opposite sex and the same sex as a part of normal behavior. I believe this to be true.
In view of the Kinsey report mentioned above that 46% of adult males studied admitted to reacting sexually to both sexes, I question if the chart needs skewed at all! The report mentioned 46% of men admitting their reaction to both sexes. One wonders if the 60-year-old study were redone today, how many more people might feel liberated enough to admit having same sex attraction.
To sum up, in my way of thinking, human organisms have being. We exist. Sexuality is one expression of our ens. When we scorn, reject, or what’s worse—psychologically or bodily damage—another living human because we disapprove of their lifestyle, we are guilty of crime. It is not just a transgression against that individual, we are hating and injuring our very own humanity as well.
For what outlandish purpose we exist on this planet seems a moot point. It appears to be a frustrating, yet intoxicating, paradox. But if we destroy our homophobic defenses, we can adopt a real purpose for our lives. We can openly show with our own attitudes, particularly by what we say to others, that we accept ALL our kin with respect and love. What else is there?
Article comments
1 - Cindy
Very insightful article Mr. Schilken! I appreciate the way you broke down the "normal" curve as I have heard the term many times but never knew just what went into determining it. Interesting statistic too, 46% of men! Never would have thought it too be that high!
2 - Cindy D
Best to differentiate one commenter from another. I should read this, I'd like to know how gay I could be. :-)
3 - Rege
Hi cindy! In my opinion, ALL of us, male or female, fit somewhere under the normal curve. Thus, you or I would have to be at least two standard deviations and then some to be purely female or male. We cannot help our natures. We are born that way. We have no choice. There is no sense fighting against NORMAL innate abilities or tendencies because they are what is n-o-r-m-a-l for each and every one of us. To resent or restrict our normal urges leads to psychological problems. The fault lies with society: "we are underlings."
Regis Schilken, author of article