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Alice's picture

Gay Identities and Actions

 I agree with a lot of what you said about Felice Picano, especially with the whole "sexual activity not being related to sexual identification" idea. It has always bothered me when sexual identities become some easily attached to actions. For example, when you say that someone of the same sex is attractive and people automatically say, "oh, so you're gay." I don't think this reaction stems from any anti-gay mentality in that I would be ashamed to be labelled as gay, its just that I don't think that just because I decide to be with a woman, I need to take on this whole identity as a lesbian. The thing is, gay and lesbian are such loaded terms that the minute you identify yourself as one or the other, I feel like you are being a part of this complicated social history. There are assumptions and expectations made of you as a gay/lesbian person, just as there are of a straight person. I mean, don't get me wrong, I think it's great when people identify themselves and obtain that solidarity. I just think it should be an identity that you chose, whether or not it is related to your actions. I hope that makes sense...

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