Straight? Bent?

I agree with you to a point. Do I think referring to heterosexuals as straight is inherently bad? No. It's just a word and we are the ones who give it meaning. Do I think it has the potential to affect the way people perceive sexuality? Yes. At least on a subconscious level. In the same way that we use words like 'gypped' or 'dumb', they once held a meaning that was meant to be derogatory towards a certain group. As such, I think it is difficult to completely separate meanings from words.

Do I think we can do anything about it? This I'm less sure of. Changing public vocabulary is hard work. Just look at the struggles we are still facing to get people to stop using 'gay' and 'faggot'.

Essentially, I think we have bigger fights to concern ourselves with that a simple choice of words. Perhaps the term 'straight' will fall into disuse when 'bent' orientations are more normalized.

 

I see what you mean and you both make very good points. I'm not really sure what to think of it personally, truth be told.

 

>>>I dont tend to use the word "straight" to describe hetrosexual people because I believe that it is damaging to the LGB community. "Straight" (hetrosexual) is also used in the term "going straight" (to cease being of a criminal persuasion) and the socially unacceptable word "bent" (homosexual) can also mean to be of a criminal or untrustworthy persuasion.

I'm going to assume you're going to stop using the term "gay". "Gay" actually means "happy, or full of joy", and that would imply that non-homosexuals are miserable with their lot in life.

Lex

 

It does sort of bother me a little, but I don't think it's a huge deal. It sounds worse when used in conjunction with "bent" - although "bent" isn't really used as a pejorative for "gay" in the U.S. I've only ever heard people from the U.K. say it.

 

In Finland, we just use 'hetero' and 'homo'. *sigh* Our language is so blunt.

 

I never hear "bent" in my region (deep southeastern U.S.). It's pretty much "straight" or "queer"...and I don't mind queer at all most of the time, because it covers so many different kinds of alternative sexualities (LGBTQ). Lots of people in my region will also say "gay" in regards to anyone who is not 100% heterosexual, even if they're talking about transgendered folks, lesbians, or anyone in-between.

"Straight" doesn't bother me in the slightest though. I don't really see it having any positive connotations in and of itself.

 

oh my gammit, my language has lots of bad words for describing gay people.Actually few of them use ''gay''. Sometimes I just wish I was German,they're way too comfortable with these issues

 

I see both sides..now..

Lex and Moonstrike bring up very very good points.

 

I would have no problem being refereed to as bent.

 

I'd say you can interpret straight as boring or "in line", dosen't play about sort of thing, while as bent could be a deviation from the usual path, "different" or fun. To be honest I'd say almost all of the terms can be open to interpretation, you could take many of them as compliments or insults.

 

Ben T. Awesome guy. Likes skydiving and carrot cake.

But on a more serious note, I think you need to chill out about this straight/bent thing. It is really not that big of a deal. I mean, look at this thread. No one seems to agree with you. Even I only vaguely saw the point you were trying to make and I still think that it is a pointless endeavor to try and change something so little people care about. If we as a community are not feeling the harmful effects of this word, why should be bother raising a big fuss over your overanalyzed vocabulary hissy fit?

Unless you have some sort of solution you plan on implementing, I suggest you accept that this isn't a major issue for the LGBT community and move on.

 

I dont see a problem in using "straight" or "bent". I have never heard anyone use the word "bent" and even if I did it wouldnt bother me. I dont see how you could find them offensive.