09.05.12
NHS Failing Gay and Bisexual Men?
Source: Bob Harper
Stonewall have reported statistical evidence from a substantial survey indicating that the suicide rate amongst bisexual and homosexual men is respectively 12 and 7.5 times higher than the whole male population.
They have linked this with failings in the health services provided by the NHS. The figures reveal human tragedy and pain on a huge scale and Stonewall lead us into the careful consideration of how it could be avoided, or at least minimized.
But is the NHS really the major factor in such a situation that they suggest? Or could the root cause be the lack of identity and belonging that bisexuals and homosexuals have to deal with, and stress from the complicated relationships that affect not only them, but those around them as well?
There is evidence that suggests that sexual identity is not at all a fixed and unchangeable thing. The positioning of an individual on the sexual spectrum can change, and can be affected by how they are led, especially when young. Peter G Tatchell described the work of anthropologists Clellan Ford and Frank Beach in his blog dated 10/1/2012 thus: “They recorded that in some aboriginal cultures, such as the Keraki and Sambia peoples of Papua New Guinea, all young men entered into a same-sex relationship with an unmarried male warrior, sometimes lasting several years, as part of their rites of passage to manhood. Once completed, they ceased all homosexual contact and assumed sexual desires for women. If sexual orientation was totally biologically pre-programmed at birth, these men would have never been able to switch to homosexuality and then to heterosexuality with such apparent ease.”
Understanding this aspect of sexuality helps us to value all individuals equally and without consideration of where they may be on that spectrum, and develop a tolerant and just society that does not apply threats to people. But it also allows us to openly question the benefit and safety of the presentation of homosexuality or bisexuality as life choices that are as good as any other, which is certainly what is happening, even in schools. My children’s school has the input of teacher who is a Stonewall member promoting lifestyle equivalence, and has also had a visit by a very high profile celebrity to reinforce the message. This is to impressionable youngsters.
Most people agree that we should promote tolerance and defend those who would otherwise be treated unequally because of their sexuality. But perhaps we should also be careful to actively promote stable heterosexual relationships and the establishment of strong, loving families as the BEST and demonstrably SAFEST lifestyle, thereby saving much pain and many lives.
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