GLBQ SUPPLEMENT

Some claimed that heterosexuality is merely one dimension of sexuality, while others said it is unethical to be anything else.

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others said it was far more interesting than heterosexuality. -What about it? It's fine, it’s me, deal with it. -It cdlisgusts me. -Live and let live. -No problems -- it’s kind of neat. -[ think variety is the spice of life. Homosexuals make the world a more interesting place. -[ have no qualms whatsoever -- some of my most interesting, exciting friends are gay. -Gross. -Immoral: however, they have their rights, so long us it’s in private. Repulsive to think about. -I think itis a very beautiful and sensitive way to express love. -It’s cool. -Great! -It’s wrong. -1 feel vou are born homosexual and have the right to love who vou love. -lt sucks. It's wrong and immoral. -! believe homosexuality is sacrilegious and unacceptable.

Feelings towards heterosexuality were even more indifferent. Some claimed that heterosexuality is merely one dimension of sexuality, while others said it is unethical to be anything else. A sampling of the

responses:

-What about it? It’s fine. it’s not me, deal with it.

-All for it.

-It can be a hell of a lot of fim, but it’s over- hyped by society.

-I think it’s the only way to be. It is unethical to be anything else.

-I like it.

-Right sexual choice.

-A-I

-Natural, acceptable and a whole lotta fin. -It's the way God wants us to be.

-It's fine if it's their choice. Too many are close-mined though.

-It’s boring.

-I don’t think they get the full experience.

-It's boring and unimaginative, especially if

the person is homophobic.

-I think that it is an individual's right, but I'm glad I'm straight.

-Everyone has their own choice. -Everyone has the right to be true to themselves.

Ethics

The vast majority of respondents believe homosexuality is an acceptable lifestyle; only three men and three women considered homosexuality unacceptable.

Population

Everyone agreed that there is a population of gays and lesbians here on the Island. The actual estimated population is between 13 and 15 thousand (using the fact that 10 per cent of the general population is homosexual). 6 per cent thought that the population was closest to 50 people; 22 per cent thought 500 people; 44 per cent thought it was close to 5000 people; and, only 14 per cent believed the population to be closest to 15000. One person called this a ‘“‘silly little question’’, and a few others also stated that this was a stupid question -- ‘‘how the hell am I supposed to know?’” asked one respondent. The results of this question show our ignorance about the facts on homosexuality-- so it isn’t really a stupid question, since it educated us.

Discrimination

A surprisingly high number of men and women said they have been discriminated against because of their sexual preference: 32 percent of men and 18 percent of womer All of the gay respondents said they have experienced homophobia, while one bisexual female said she has. Most respondents feel comfortable around people who have a different sexual preference than their own. One person said that at times they are uncomfortable, and at other times they are not. Of the rest, 28 percent said they do feel uncomfortable and 70 percent do not.

Comments

Comments regarding the survey were immensely varied and touched on a wide array of topics. Many criticisms were received for the questions regarding the population of the homo-/bisexual community and whether or not acquaintances are open about their homosexuality. Some said they hadn’t the faintest idea what the population of the queer community was; others stated that most people, straight or queer, are not ope about their sex lives. Here are the majorit of the comments:

-/ really do not understand your reasoning Jor conducting such a survey. Why has se and sexual orientation become the focus 0 recent surveys? Although some may consider both an educating experience, \! not place vour focus on more constructive and less personal areas -- perhaps something related to experiences living 0! limited budget.

-These questions are obviously slanted towards a community that is uncomfortab! and unacquainted with homosexuality. -This is cool! :

-/ just wish everyone would worry abou! more important things than my right to 10 and make love to another man,

-I feel the term ‘homophobia’ is a devicé