[N.J. Smith]

My impression of Finland is one of snow; I think of cold and dark.

User Detail :  

Name : N.J. Smith, Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Lesbian, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Agnostic, Age : 45, City : Butler, State : PA Country : United States, Occupation : Laborer, Education level : High School Diploma, Social class : Lower middle class, 

[N.J. Smith]

When I was 21 I fell in love with another woman, a good friend who came on to me. It surprised me. After that relationship ended, I thought it was possible to fall in love with anyone, male or female. Years passed before I realized I was a lesbian. I was never satisfied with sexual activities with men, only women. I have come to believe that my upbringing (which taught me that being gay was bad) caused me to deny my orientation. A sort of brainwashing occurred during my childhood, and I was well into adulthood before I overcame it.

User Detail :  

Name : N.J. Smith, Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Lesbian, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Agnostic, Age : 45, City : Butler, State : PA Country : United States, Occupation : Laborer, Education level : High School Diploma, Social class : Lower middle class, 

[N.J. Smith]

There are all types of homosexuals, as there are heterosexuals. Not all gay men behave in what our society deems feminine ways. Nor are all men who do so homosexual. Problems arise when we expect a certain demeanor from someone because of their sex. Who can explain what attracts people to each other? Some like to take care of their partners, some like to be taken care of and some like sharing all responsibilities. This is true for all couples, straight or gay. There are countless other things that make or break a relationship, and acting 'masculine' or 'feminine' is just a small part of it. What's sad is that so many straight men feel compelled to act macho or in a 'masculine' way lest they suffer ridicule. I think the world would be a fine place if men would bend more before they break, and if women would bend (over) less.

User Detail :  

Name : N.J. Smith, Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Lesbian, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Agnostic, Age : 45, City : Butler, State : PA Country : United States, Occupation : Laborer, Education level : High School Diploma, Social class : Lower middle class, 

[N.J. Smith]

I know of some fine homosexual couples who are good and decent parents. Their children generally grow up more tolerant and less bigoted. In response to Lynn: Where did you get the idea that homosexuals are preoccupied with sex? We are (again, generally speaking) not much different from heterosexuals, except that we are attracted to members of the same sex. My life is well-rounded. I am a productive member of my community, trusted by friends and co-workers, in a loving relationship, and hoping to be able to have that relationship recognized legally someday. But it's not all about sex. I just happened to fall in love with another woman. My sex life isn't anyone else's business, and those who think it is are likely to be preoccupied with sex and not fit to judge.

User Detail :  

Name : N.J. Smith, Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Lesbian, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Agnostic, Age : 45, City : Butler, State : PA Country : United States, Occupation : Laborer, Education level : High School Diploma, Social class : Lower middle class, 

[N.J. Smith]

Although the United States is a land of free speech and democracy, the people in power have typically been white Christian men. When someone who doesn't fit that mold ascends (or attempts to ascend) to a position of power, it's newsworthy. There are those who would deny Leiberman this opportunity because of his religion, and there are those who would celebrate his success as a minority member. You are right - it boils down to his qualifications, but there is so much bigotry still here in the United States. Hopefully, there will be a time when being part of a minority will not be an issue.

User Detail :  

Name : N.J. Smith, Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Lesbian, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Agnostic, Age : 45, City : Butler, State : PA Country : United States, Occupation : Laborer, Education level : High School Diploma, Social class : Lower middle class, 

[N.J. Smith]

Pre-op transsexuals are expected to live the life of the sex to which they wish to be reassigned, including using the appropriate restrooms if necessary. Transsexuals identify themselves as members of the sex opposite from the one they are born as and can be either homo- or heterosexual. Homosexuals choose partners of the same sex. That does not mean they identify as members of the opposite sex. As we learn more about the human body, genetics and the chemistry that makes us up, we will gain insight into what makes us one sex or the other (besides the obvious genetilia) and how all the variations in between happen. Meanwhile, consider this: evidence suggests these things are not conscious choices. We are born with chemical switches that determine our sexual identities and orientations.

User Detail :  

Name : N.J. Smith, Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Lesbian, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Agnostic, Age : 45, City : Butler, State : PA Country : United States, Occupation : Laborer, Education level : High School Diploma, Social class : Lower middle class, 

[N.J. Smith]

Being a lesbian does not mean I wish to be a man. They are two separate issues. A transgendered person, as I understand it, is born with the physical anatomy of the sex opposite from the sex with which he/she identifies him/herself. A transgendered person can be either homo- or heterosexual.

User Detail :  

Name : N.J. Smith, Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Lesbian, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Agnostic, Age : 45, City : Butler, State : PA Country : United States, Occupation : Laborer, Education level : High School Diploma, Social class : Lower middle class, 

[N.J. Smith]

Since we live with our partners without being able to marry them, our relationships are not always given the respect that a married couple will receive. So, non-gays might see us as more promiscuous because we are never married.

To Normand: Studies show men in general are more promiscuous than women. So, men having relationships with men have more freedom to have other partners if they wish. A man having a relationship with a woman has to deal with the woman's desire to be monogamous. Please be aware that any generalization will not hold true all the time, including the ones I have made.

User Detail :  

Name : N.J. Smith, Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Lesbian, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Agnostic, Age : 45, City : Butler, State : PA Country : United States, Occupation : Laborer, Education level : High School Diploma, Social class : Lower middle class, 

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