Gender minorities? There are only two genders Male and Female and neither are in minority. It requires both genders to complement each other to produce another human person.

To the author be prepared for the onslaught from the rightwing religous fundamentalists. Their vitriol towards those who do not fear the sky fairies as they do, is of the highest bigoted order!

We now have so many “international days”, in support of so many obscure or trivial causes, that I suspect their currency is devalued. On those few occasions when the issue they address is important, they tend to be ignored. It’s also a formula that seems to me more designed to promote feelings of self-righteous satisfaction in supporters of a particular cause, than to deliver any tangible changes.

Gay rights are important, but I doubt that IDAHO is capable of making a very significant contribution to them

Wow a whole piece on homophobia without references to terms like crazy Islamists, Muslim fundamentalists and sharia law. I think they’re more relevant to everyday people in the real world.

But I understand your temptation to appease and focus on some trivial side issues to distract Australians from real threats. Let's talk about football or the word "poof" in high school? Please.

There is probably no mention of 'crazy Islamists' and their ilk because their influence in our society is minimal. Homophobia is demonstrated by these people, but it is not driven by them. The bulk of Australian kids don't care what some angry imam says, but do pay attention to the behaviours and attitudes of footballers and other prominent sportspeople. For Jason Akermanis suggest that homosexuality is something to hide will certainly have ripple-down effects in some circles. Wrong code, but here in Townsville even many of the boys and girls who should know better hang off every word and behavioural pattern of their favourite NQ Cowboy. If it came to a battle of words, our local bishops and other religious leaders wouldn't stand a chance against Matty Bowen.

Interestingly, it has been at least five years since I've heard the word 'poof' used in high school. I think the author needs to update his vernacular.

It's quite sad that Australians think they are so advanced, yet our society is still struggling to eliminate homophobia..

Don't even mention Same-Sex Adoption or Marriage..

Although quite interestingly I notice that NSW and WA accept same-sex parents which is great! I love watching Modern Family just to see what the boys will get up to :)

Just wrote an article on this today - http://progressivetalks.com/social/item/1615-same-sex-parenting-differences-around-the-globe.html

ProgressiveTalks,
What makes the act of homosexuality modern and progressive? It was openly and widely practised by males for pleasure in ancient pagan societies.

Philo,

Just to pull you up on that.. I'm not suggesting that Homosexuality is a progressive movement or something, far from it..

I'm merely saying that dealing with attitudes towards homosexuality (ie homophobia) is a progressive issue.

Who are the political parties that throw the most support (generally) behind this cause - Progressive Parties.

The same goes for the countries that are modern enough to move on from this issue and grant equal rights to all..

I've spent a few years studying in Sweden and I really admire the Northern European approach to this issue, as well as a number of other social topics.. I'm just hoping other countries can learn from these pioneers and appreciate the secondary effects of issues like homophobia on the mental health of the community, social tolerance of others, etc..

“There is probably no mention of 'crazy Islamists' and their ilk because their influence in our society is minimal.”

Otokonoko: So that’s why the author wrote about some obscure tribes in Africa? Yeah right. The word is appeasement. Actually, Islam does and is having an impact on the community (in the real suburbs). One example: trying to implement Sharia laws. But tell that to the thousands of Muslims kids and teenagers – or don’t they exist?

You’re also ignoring the many times we’re told that “Islam is a religion of peace” while it condemns sexual minorities.

“For Jason Akermanis suggest that homosexuality is something to hide will certainly have ripple-down effects in some circles.”

This was a media beat-up. Most kids would not have read his column anyway. You can’t say on the one hand that “homophobia” is everywhere and on the other hand say that one should advertise his homosexuality, without sending a mixed message. That’s a rational point. Celebrate your sexuality but get beat-up? Or is homophobia not a problem? Which one is it?

I believe more guys get beat up because they looked admiringly at someone else"s girlfriend while in the street than because a person indulges in homosexual acts with another.

Are you serious, BPT? At our last census (2006), there were fewer than 350,000 Muslims in our country. I doubt very much that the author of this peace was particularly concerned with appeasing such a tiny minority. I also doubt very much that this number would have the influence on the undercurrent of homophobia that the author perceives in this country. Even if every Muslim in the country was homophobic, they still account for less than 2% of our population. I'd say their 'crazy' preachers would have little influence over non-Muslims - am I wrong?

As a side note, how does one distinguish between the 'real' suburbs and 'fake' suburbs? I have lived, worked or studied in 14 suburbs in this country. In none of them did I notice the 'real impact' of Islam. Not even in the one with the mosque. It is quite shattering to discover that they aren't 'real' suburbs!

'So as we celebrate IDAHO, Imagine having International Day for white hetrosexuals. Oh the screams!

Perhaps we white heterosexuals will get our day. First, we need to achieve a landmark in our age-old struggle to lift the burdensome mantle of social oppression and vilification from our shoulders.

WTF is this thread about - Gays or Islam?

If you want to cast aspersions on Muslims - start another thread.

If you want to cast aspersions on gays - then get your facts right first.

Homosexual behaviour is normal, it has been present throughout human history and occurs amongst other mammals, birds and reptiles as well. Fish and other creatures can even change their sex depending on environmental conditions.

If you don't like homosexuality - then don't do it.

Ammonite,
Homosexuals in not another gender it is a unnatural sexual act, not an identifiable gender person distinct from male or female. If men desire to act like impulsive animals so be it. However all animals preference is to engage in sex with the opposite gender and happily procreate.