Laura Berman, in her ‘Sex & Relationships’ column in the Chicago Sun-Times (Feb. 11), reveals an interesting view: ‘We [in the United States] are so accustomed to our version of sexuality that it can be shocking to discover that sexual experiences differ vastly across the world.’ Some of Ms. Berman’s examples: ‘In Papua, New Guinea, homosexual encounters are encouraged between men…’; ‘Homosexual activity is considered a male bonding rite, and it is enjoyed throughout a man’s life’; ‘Through his research, Alfred Kinsey discovered … [that] working-class men were found to participate more in homosexual acts, prostitution and pre-marital sex [than rich men were] ;’ and ‘Class also dictated sexual activities in ancient Rome. While homosexuality was considered a natural and healthy part of a man’s life, it was very taboo for a man in a high position to allow one in a low position to dominate him sexually; sexual positions were expected to be determined by class positions.’ Ms. Berman could very well have gone on to instruct her readers (and certain prudish fundie folk) that variant sexuality is known in 100 percent of present and past human cultures, making the argument that it’s not natural a little, um, unnatural.
The Chicago Tribune (Feb. 4) reported that new Chicago Episcopal Bishop Jeffrey Lee and the new national leader of the Episcopal church, Bishop Katharine Jeffers Schori, issued a statement about their very clear support of gay clergy. This issue threatens to split the Anglican Communion, of which the Episcopal church is part. The statement read, in part, ‘Conservatives believe homosexuality violates Scripture. Liberals support gay-clergy rights.’ Clergy such as Bishop V. Gene Robinson, the church’s first out gay bishop, have not been invited to the Communion’s international meeting this July in Lambeth, England. My Episcopal friends tell me, though, that if all the closeted clergy, including bishops, were outed the meeting, it would very likely not be held because such a large number of sudden ex-members would cripple it.
From the ‘Times-They-Are-A-Changing’ file: The Chicago Sun-Times (Feb. 4) says it’s not Franco’s Spain anymore—it is now taught in public schools that modern families can be same-sex couples raising children. Spain grants full legal status (including marriage and adoption rights) to same-sex couples. Gays can openly serve in the army and photos such as Socialist Deputy Pedro Zerolo smooching his partner Jesus Santos are no big deal. Would Hemingway approve, and what does this mean for bull-fighting? Wait! Does this mean gay or lesbian matadors? Stay tuned.