Close Encounter With The Third Kind
Why do some people prefer something different? We all have
choices to make. We are born with own distinct identities and as we develop
into an adult capable of knowing and reasoning, we are exposed to an
environment with extremely wide variety of values, social norms, rules of
conduct, customs and practices. As human beings, we have the desire to
understand every aspect of the world we live in. Our natural curiosity of the
many things around us will lead us to defining our own self and bring us to a
journey of limitless exploration.
Who are we? What are we? These questions now lie beneath the
realm of self individuality.
The discussion of gender preferences are predominantly
articulated for centuries by philosophers, religious leaders and writers. From
ancient times to today, there is a countless and diversity of opinions
regarding the theories of engaging to same gender relationships. Understanding
the world that is far different from the ordinary demands openness of mind and
full acceptance of the fact that we all have the same right of existence... To
live life as how we desire to live it.
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In our society where this kind of unusual set up seems to
contradict our beliefs, we tend to condemn or dishonor the state of being or
the act itself but who are we to pass judgement on those people who have done
nothing wrong but to be the person they are? Who are we to discriminate and
deprive them of equal rights? Nobody lives a faultless life... We, normal
beings are susceptible in making mistakes that we regret afterwards.
Understanding the core of their being is complicated and it requires our utmost
comprehension.
There may be some scientific evidences which explain the
causes of this kind of behavior. Some studies showed that involving one self to
same gender union is more of an identity crisis. A child before the age of 10
may experience either extreme affection from family or somehow, emotionally
distant to any member may trigger a sense of emptiness. Some childhood
displeasing encounters may also contribute to its existence. Whether it is the
mind that stimulates the urge or it's the desire of the body that needs to be
satisfied is beside the point. The ability to think and act according to our
conscience may draw the line and can resolve the need for affirmation and
belongingness.
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Some studies also showed that neither it be genetically
transmitted because of insufficient biological explanations nor an inborn
characteristic that has been stimulated by various factors. If for some, it's
not innate but acquired. In my opinion, it's more of a choice.
We live in a society where people seem to be judgmental. We
look at other's imperfections and we are blinded by our own defects. What is
more important is how we carry ourselves. We have the freewill to take any
road... crooked or straight. What really matters is we are determined to be the
"best" person we can be.
We
cannot discount the fact that those people we seem to reject are those who
dominate the scene, may it be in the business world, music, arts or
entertainment industry, politics and even beyond our knowledge (those still in
self-bondage). Some are famous and notable icons yet there are some who
disgrace their own specie. These people are clear indications of images of self
destruction.
In this writing, I use the terms of "gender
preference" or "intimate orientation as desired", because I respect
them as I respect myself and others. I believe that the word which make it
sinful is the very word that most people used to describe it.
I still hold on to my belief that... "It's not what I
say that matters, it's how I say it."
What seems uncommon to some people may be just fine to
others. that's how our mind works so we better think more sensibly.
I have nothing against people who chose to be who they want to.
ReplyDeleteThis issue was my topic when I made a baby thesis way back in highschool. Studies show that "being different" is somehow nurtured. Oh well, it was based on a study conducted to identical twins who grew up in different environments. One became a "guy" and the other a "gay."
Anyway,nobody could dictate how people should live their lives. As long as they don't harm anybody, who are we to judge? :)
We are now living in a modern world where people are more open-minded and free. Acceptance is not the issue here but understanding. I have a close family member who is now OUT in the OPEN. If he feels happy... we feel even happier because we love him no matter what.
DeleteI think it's a different world and for one, we should be more open-minded with the third kind and I guess, nobody is in the position to judge anyone as every one is unique in their own way.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely right! They are also human and nobody can take away their dignity just because they are different.
DeleteEverybody is free on their preference as long as they don't encroach on your freedom so equal respect is needed to generate harmony among all sexes.
DeleteIt's good to note that they also have achievers in their field.
DeleteLIVE A HAPPY LIFE, well they are happy like that so we must respect them for who they are.
ReplyDeleteTo each his own... RESPECT is earned so it depends on the person's behavior and attitude towards other people.
DeleteIn my personal opinion, it doesn't matter what preferences a person choose. It's the 21st century and as long as that person is doing something good and productive to make this world a better place to live then it good. When I look around, most people who were considered "third kind" (known and the unknown) are even more influential and done better than those who calls themselves "Normal" =)
ReplyDeleteWe cannot avoid those people who misjudge others. They have their own reasons to disgrace the gender in between. Those people who still believe that GOD only created men and women.
Deletefor gender quality we have to accept the fact that there is a third kind. a lot of them made a good name and got fantastic achievements which we can be proud of.
ReplyDeleteThat's true! I think, they dominate every aspect in the society.
DeleteI am fortunate enough to have been taught to understand the concept of equality. I am a straight woman. But I have family members who are now adults and are happily involved in a relationship with the same gender. I admit, I wasn't too keen on the idea when I was a kid. But as I grew up, I understood what it all meant. Believe it or not, my cousin in the US has been with her girlfriend for more than a decade now. Their relationship has flourished and has certainly stood the test time - while most of the people they know resorted to divorce. Fact of life.
ReplyDeleteI want to share with you this statement and I quote ...
Delete"This is the way we are, and will always be. What is far more important is that a person's gender preference won't hinder him/her from doing what is right, in setting goals and achieving them, and in striving to be the best person he/she can be."
Straight from the heart of a gay who has been in denial before but was able to escape from the bondage. Now happily in a relationship with someone... OUT IN THE OPEN.
I thought, it was ALIENS or E.T.s you are talking about when you said at your title: THIRD KIND. But upon reading your article, it's all about 3rd sex pala. I think, in the world we are living in right now, there is no issue about it anymore. They are now well accepted by the community.
ReplyDeleteSame here bro.
DeleteThird kind, third sex, or whatever the best term for this group... bottom line is, we are all human and deserve to be equally treated. I totally agree with you that there's no more issue about it anymore because they are now significant personalities of today's society.
DeleteSame here, I thought the same when I read the title...vivid views expressed!
DeleteHow times change. Though before my third kind na, pero they belong to the minority group, but now, sikat na sila. I have nothing against them, but what I can't stomach is the immoral deeds some of them perform.
ReplyDeleteWe never knew how did it happen, when had it first manifested, and what had really caused this condition or state to be prevalent.
DeleteI super love my gay and lesbo friends. They're brothers and sisters to me. And I don't care if theyr gay or a lesbo. Sometimes, they're far more better than those straights.
ReplyDeleteYeah! I remember your post about your friend who is suffering from cancer, Ms Ness. We can only give them much love and affection. Let them feel they are not alone in the journey of life.
Deleteright now, society is more permissive than it was before. the popularity of showbiz people who are openly have their own preference has great influence in standing for their rights and earning equal respect.
ReplyDeleteThat's true! Society is more adaptive and kind compared to old fashioned beliefs before.
Deletewe cannot please everyone and we do not have to, they were not the ones running our lives but us, i respect their decisions so they'll do the same :)
ReplyDeleteThough we are entitled to our own views in life, we still have no right to make them feel inferior.
DeleteDon't have to please everyone. Just be who you are. :)
ReplyDeletePeople sometimes are mean and they seem to judge others that easy.
DeleteI don't quite understand the reason of them being called 'the third kind'; I came into this article expecting something about aliens (seriously :P) or something like that. Anyway, to each his/her own way of putting a term on the LGBT community. Personally though, I was slightly miffed with the titling.
ReplyDeletePardon me if you are being miffed (quite unhappy with the term used) by the post title. I just thought it would be perfect for my article since I have a close family member who is a woman by heart but in a man's body. But then, I respect your opinion though.
DeleteIt really boils down to respect at the end of the day.
ReplyDeleteRespecting each other is like living in a world so ideal.
DeleteAs long as they are happy and do not cause any harm then let then be. They are also human with feelings and rights of their own. Respect them and they'll respect you back.
ReplyDeleteIf people are more open-minded and understanding, the world would be a much better, peaceful place. But then again, we have our own perspective of things. I don't have any problem with the "third kind" as you put it, but some people do.
ReplyDeleteIn general, I respect those that are in a same sex relationship. I say in general because quite frankly, there are some that act in a rather discourteous way, whether it's talking in an unnecessary loud manner or always engaging in some form of toilet humor and often cross the line. If we want to be respected, we should act and conduct ourselves in a respectful manner. It's something that applies to those that are "straight" or gay.
ReplyDeleteI have lots of gay friends, and one thing they always say to me is that all they're asking for is respect and acceptance. I think that's what we all need.
ReplyDeleteI always respect individuality no matter what gender preference the person choose. I just hope that they show respect to others as they respect themselves like the respected popular individuals above :)
ReplyDeletepersonally, i would never consider falling in love with someone of the same gender. HOWEVER, i don't have anything against people who choose to fall in love from someone of the same sex. what these people need are respect, acceptance, and freedom from the bonds that society have set.
ReplyDeletein order to reach the level of self actualization(in maslow's hierarchy of needs), you must learn to be true to yourself and accept whoever you are with all your heart..i admire people who are true to themselves...
ReplyDeleteTimes are different now and most people I believe are now open in relationships and even marriages of the same gender.
ReplyDeleteIt's not what I say that matters, it's how I say it... The issue on gender preference will always be controversial wherever we may be because it is such a grey area. And people are afraid of things that makes them uncomfortable because it usually requires them to change. I changed my point of view about gender preference once I met people who I love whose views are different from the usual black and white. But like what you said, "It's not what I say that matters, it's how I say it".
ReplyDeleteSomehow, I consider myself open-minded especially when it comes to this topic. I have friends who prefer to be with a same sex partner, and I respect them. I may not have the same beliefs, but we shouldn't judge them solely based on their preference. At the end of the day, it's still their personality and contributions to the society which matter more.
ReplyDelete