A New Dichotomy

     Another popular theory among advocates of heterosexuality or simply the tolerance thereof claims that heterosexuals are born as such, and had no choice whatsoever in the process. Just as some are born homosexual, this school of thought seeks to perpetuate the idea that one can be ‘born straight.’ This brings into the intellectual arena questions of whether or not heterosexuality is ‘natural.’

     Despite clear anatomical indications that heterosexuality is a biological norm, there are those who call it “unnatural.” Statistics contradict this contention very blatantly. 98% of the mammalian world, excluding homo sapiens, at some point in their mature sexual lives are clear participants in some type of heterosexual behavior. The presence of heterosexuality in what we perceive as the ‘natural’ world refutes any claim of the existence of heterosexuality in homo sapiens as being exceptional. Unfortunately, this scientific fact does not deter a majority of prejudice or persecution on the part of the antagonists.

     One college student, who wished to remain unnamed in this article, relayed his horrific experience to an interviewer. “I came back to my dorm and found that all of my basketball and soccer things had been mutilated, and the word ‘breeder’ was bleeding down the walls in purple spray paint. They’d written it there over 20 times.” This is only one example of the hate crimes that today’s heterosexuals endure; recorded incidents have varied in severity from simple name-calling to the highest manifested forms of hatred, including torture and murder. Though modern fanaticism about heterosexuality hasn’t yet reached the degree of blind hysteria that possessed Justinian’s Byzantium or Visigoth Spain, hate crimes do occur daily, and prejudice is growing exponentially.

     While the modern prejudices against heterosexuals are markedly detestable, there is hope for equality. The ‘Straight Rights’ Movement in the United States has begun to experience minor political successes, such as the right of heterosexual couples to civil unions, and a growing number of individuals are becoming involved in awareness groups and campaigns not only for the tolerance of heterosexuality, but for its acceptance. While true acceptance of heterosexuality may be a long way off, it is refreshing to see progressive individuals taking steps in that direction. Meanwhile, we are required to see past sexual identity and instead cast our gaze upon one truth that may not be forgotten. We are all human beings, regardless of sexual preference. Until the hatred and prejudice have dissipated, we must serve a greater purpose – recall that it is not always a choice to be ‘straight.’ Recall that all humans have emotions. Remember – even breeders feel. Remember this and defeat the dichotomy.