Shades of gray

[_zeezrom]

Hello MDB,

I started thinking back on my life and came to a gentle realization that I am approximately 5% gay. Some people are more, some are less, but everyone has at least some of it in them. At least, this is the conclusion I've come to after pondering late last night while in the throes of Pinterest posting.

From as early as I can remember, I have always held some man (or two) in high regard due to their looks and manners. Early on, it was Han Solo and Robbie Bosco. I admired both for their maintenance of style under pressure. Later on, I developed this quiet man-crush for the local ditch tender near my grandpa's farm. I used to love it when he would give me the thumbs up while driving by in his pickup truck. For many years, I shared a sense of admiration for Robert Redford along with my mother, who would often mention him and his wonderful blonde hair.

Today, I have a deep admiration for Paul Newman. Oh, what I wouldn't do to have an hour to sit and play cards with him!

To keep the record straight, I'm inclined to remind you of my non-gayness... 95%...or is it 90%? Anyway, I had a HUGE crush on Mary Poppins for many years. I had this little picture book with vinyl record that I would use to feed soul with joy. I played "A spoon full of sugar" over and over for days! I was disappointed to find out she was the same woman as Maria the Nanny. Somehow, she lost the status of muse when I found she really could not fly.

Maybe some people would say that I've suddenly become 5% gay due to my loss in faith in Mormonism. Some people might think I've always been 0% gay and suddenly started pretending I like some dudes. Maybe people think I've been obsessed with images and have lost the spirit. Whatever the reason people come up with, I feel they do it in order to ensure that gayness is not made up of shades of gray in many of us.
Maybe I'm disappointed in the prevailing attitudes of my Mormon family/friends regarding gay marriage. I refuse to engage with them on the subject so I have come here to vent. Thank you.

Have a WONDERFUL day!

Zee.

[_stemelbow]

sure. I agree. I'm probably closer to 20%. I know that's weird. I still don't have a desire to boink a man, but I sure like 'em--and happily and openly acknowledge the good lookin' ones.

With this revelation of your's, the question becomes does the percentage change over time?

Can someone be oh say 20%, like me, and in ten years go to 50%, or the opposite, go to the narrow and closed minded, 5% like Z (I'm just kidding about narrow, closed minded, so settle down)?

[_Drifting]

sure. I agree. I'm probably closer to 20%. I know that's weird. I still don't have a desire to boink a man, but I sure like 'em--and happily and openly acknowledge the good lookin' ones.

With this revelation of your's, the question becomes does the percentage change over time?

Can someone be oh say 20%, like me, and in ten years go to 50%, or the opposite, go to the narrow and closed minded, 5% like Z (I'm just kidding about narrow, closed minded, so settle down)?

You get to choose...apparently...

[_zeezrom]

I still don't have a desire to boink a man...

The desire to boink defines your orientation?

[_stemelbow]

The desire to boink defines your orientation?

Didn't say that.

[_MCB]

Obesession with boinkiness defines Mormons.

Zeez, I like your attitude. You interests are somewhat less masculine than those of other men, so to make the message clear, you are breaking the stereotype that interests define orientation.

[Guest]

I self identify as straight, but I certainly lean more towards the center of the spectrum. I think I'm between a 1 and 2 on the Kinsey scale. I sometimes speculate that I am a gay man in a straight woman's body...but that can't be right.

People aren't so binary as some would like them to be.

DAMMIT WHY AREN'T PHOTOS WORKING?!?!?!?!?!

It's just wrong to keep people who love each other from being together and making it legally recognized, if they so desire.

It Could Happen To You

[_LDSToronto]

I'm all for fluid sexuality, and perhaps I need some correction, but having an affinity for what would be defined as traditionally 'female' pursuits does not make a person a certain percentage gay. Tailoring, an appreciation of fashion, and an appreciation of the male and female figure are masculine pursuits, in my opinion.

Idolizing someone of the same sex is normal.

Zee, I applaud you for opening up online, and I'd encourage you to explore your sexuality more. I'm not expert (god, I hope an expert weighs in here and corrects me soon), but I think, before you declare yourself 'x%' gay, you need to explore your sexual desires and affinities.

H.

[_just me]

I'm all for fluid sexuality, and perhaps I need some correction, but having an affinity for what would be defined as traditionally 'female' pursuits does not make a person a certain percentage gay. Tailoring, an appreciation of fashion, and an appreciation of the male and female figure are masculine pursuits, in my opinion.

Idolizing someone of the same sex is normal.

Zee, I applaud you for opening up online, and I'd encourage you to explore your sexuality more. I'm not expert (god, I hope an expert weighs in here and corrects me soon), but I think, before you declare yourself 'x%' gay, you need to explore your sexual desires and affinities.

H.

You are correct Canada. Gay is about who you are sexually attracted to.

I forgot, I'm pansexual. Yay me!

[_zeezrom]

I was sort of thinking that my admiration of these men was slightly sexual. Honestly, that is a challenge to admit. For me, sexuality is much more than the binary extreme. I'm winging it here...