Homosexuality In David Halperin's Born Gay

Many people argue that the idea of having a “choice” is the explanation to homosexuality, but to those people who live day to day knowing that they are gay or lesbian, the idea of “choice” seems downright offensive. David Halperin, author of “Is there a History of Sexuality” argues throughout his text that indeed there are moments in history, such as movements, both political and social, that have shaped the way in which people identify themselves sexually. He talks about different societies, such as the Mediterranean societies, and how they viewed sexuality as autonomous D’Emilio author of, “Born Gay”, as well presents a similar idea in which history plays a role on the development of what is now a gay/lesbian movement. Social movements such …show more content…
In his response he does not merely state facts and events in history but he makes references to his own experiences and observations. For example, in his first reason he mentions that “the idea we were born gay or lesbian corresponds to our deepest feelings to the way we understand our own experiences”. This opening sentence helps bring forth the idea that feelings and experiences go hand in hand for homosexuals. D’Emilio then follows the idea of feelings and experiences by describing his personal experiences as being a homosexual male. He mentions that he always had an inclination toward the male body. In his world he always knew that he was gay but, his coming out story was what sealed the deal. As D’Emilio mentions the words “coming out story” to the reader it becomes obvious that the idea and thought of having a coming out story is an important experience amongst the gay community. The importance of a coming out story is reinforced when D’Emilio transitions into speaking about the negative aspect of those …show more content…
As he concludes, he brings up an important pieces of information that brings both sides of the argument together. He argues that the born gay argument lets their allies of the hook, and gives them (homosexuals) a good feeling knowing that they do not bear any responsibility for their gayness. But he quickly counter-argues that by stating that if they did have a choice, they might choose otherwise. He also concludes that he would not only like for there to be change both politically and socially for gays, but he wishes for them to embrace their sexuality even if they discover that they had a choice. This last message gives birth to the question of “How can homosexuals embrace who they are?”, which therefore leaves the readers, including myself, wanting to know how that can be