Monday, April 30, 2012

Heterosexuality As a Non-Orientation

The Patriarchy Indoctrination Club Boy Scouts of America recently removed a woman from the position of den leader because she's a lesbian. The organization then issued a statement:

"Scouting, and the majority of parents it serves, does not believe it is the right forum for children to become aware of the issue of sexual orientation, or engage in discussions about being gay. Rather, such complex matters should be discussed with parents, caregivers, or spiritual advisers, at the appropriate time and in the right setting."

Notice here how unlike existing as a heterosexual, merely existing as a lesbian, apparently, induces children to "become aware of the issue of sexual orientation."

Under this view, heterosexuality is not a sexual orientation at all.  It is the "other," homosexuality, that is the sexual orientation and must be marked as such. Heterosexuality, the Normal Default, is not marked. It is, to the Boys Scouts, unremarkable.

As though children only become aware of the "issue os sexual orientation" when they encounter those who are not heterosexual.

Unlike homosexuality which is "complex," heterosexuality is simple. That's why children never have to be bullied, coerced, and policed into displaying proper performances of it.

I jest.

What's complex, of course, is not homosexuality. What is complex is how a nice, Christian organization can marginalize and denigrate an entire group of people and still be considered a Nice Guy. That takes real rhetorical and political maneuvering right there.


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