On letter criticizing homosexualityI write to respond to Patrick Horn '99's letter (Sept. 22). Horn asserts that because homosexuality is not a "natural" or acceptable trait, he ought to be free to display prejudice and intolerance towards lesbian, gay and bisexual people. No one really knows what determines sexual orientation, though it is probably a combination of biological and environmental factors, and it also probably varies for each individual. Even if we believe that sexual orientation is chosen, however, we protect many individual rights in this country which are not based on inborn characteristics. People are able to choose their religious affiliation, for example, without fear of harassment or discrimination. Further it is disturbing that Horn invokes the word "discrimination" to characterize the 'Prince's' attitude toward those (like Horn) who are "sickened by homosexual behavior" when lesbian, gay and bisexual people face actual discrimination in such areas as housing and employment all the time. Horn fails to realize that discrimination is not the same as censure. As a community, we allow all people to freely express their points of view, but we need not equally endorse all points of view. It is one thing to display prejudice against and entire group of people simply because you disapprove of their "lifestyle;" it is quite another to object to views which are hateful and intolerant. When we decide to join a community, we make a commitment to live alongside other people who are very different from us, and with whom we may not agree about everything. None of us has the freedom of choosing who within this community we will and will not tolerate. Brandon Ulrich '96's survey reveals that five percent of the campus shares attitudes which are similar to Horn's those which are, in other words "very homophobic." Horn's letter illustrates the most blatant forms of homophobia which are still present at Princeton. It is encouraging that so many have spoken out against his hateful words. At the same time, however, Ulrich's research reveals to us that at least a third of the campus can be characterized as "homophobic." In the clamor over this letter, we must continue to takenote of the quieter homophobia and heterosexism that many students here still face.
Jennifer Handler Letter to the editors published in the Daily Princetonian on September 27, 1995. |