Same-sex hand holding

[Zamzara]

I'm a man and I voted no, but if I had read the reasons for this poll first i wouldn't have participated.

Asking whether I am willing to hold hands with a man does not find out if I am homophobic. I am actually fairly pro-gay rights, but I'm not gay myself. I don't see what this poll has to do with phobia of homosexuals.

 

[Ladewig]

If the goal is to gauge homophobic feelings, then wouldn't you have subtract the heterosexuals who would not hold hands in public with people of the opposite sex? Or, better yet, if the goal is to gauge homophobic feelings wouldn't it be more accurate to ask who doesn't like or is afraid of homosexuals?

Of course, given that posters on this board come from an exceptionally-wide range of cultures, it might be hard to draaw conclusions from such a small sample.

 

[Hutch]

IThroughout Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia it’s perfectly acceptable for men to go walking around holding hands, and it’s merely considered a friendly gesture.

JUst to back up the comment above--I lived in the United Arab Emirates for 4 years, and men holding hands was quite common and nothing sexual was imputed. It simply menat that they were good friends. It also meant that on meeting a good friend (were talking two men here) that you would rub noses and kiss each other on the lips.

So if your poll was taken in the Middle East, handholding between men would be approved off. If you tried to infer that this meant they were homosexual, well, lets just say it would not be good for your health (Arab prisons are not nice places)

 

[Shaun from Scotland]

Why do you think it's "repellant"?

What relevence is it that I find it repellant? What connection does it have to how I feel about homosexuality? Am I not allowed to feel a certain way about an activity, but at the same time bear no one any ill will?

I wouldn't want to cover my wife in baked beans but I wouldn't want to tell anyone else they couldn't. It's their business.

 

[Darat]

...snip...

I wouldn't want to cover my wife in baked beans but I wouldn't want to tell anyone else they couldn't. It's their business.

Thank goodness, your wife and I were worried you'd object.

 

[Virgil]

I'm told that in parts of Africa and the Middle east it is normal for straight men to hold hands while walking down the street.




Virgil