LGBT "lifestyle"....?

1.    Garcia, Gilbert. (2013, September 1). ‘Lifestyle’ label has no place in NDO debate. San Antonio Express News.

2.    Category of problem/issue: marriage

3.    Level of problem: Local

4.    The article concerns: The term ‘Lifestyle’ does not belong in the local Non-Discrimination Ordinance debate regarding the extension of civil rights protections to members of the LGBT community.

5.    Why is this important to families/individuals OR how does it affect individuals/families?

This is very important to individuals apart of the LGBT community because it is a matter of whether they are granted the same civil rights as the majority of Americans and Texans. In order for this motion to pass, the concept of being homosexual needs to be viewed as a serious topic and not associated with the word lifestyle. That term insinuates that it is fully a choice, and when dealing with non-discrimination driven policies, it is important to use terminology that does not have a negative connotation to begin with. If the proposal to give the LGBT community certain rights is to be taken seriously, then the NDO needs to reevaluate the terms it is using to make sure they are non-biased.

6.    What are your views on the issue/policy?

I think that it is a great step forward that there is something being done by the NDO to be sure that the LGBT community gets the civil rights that they are entitled to as Americans. However, I feel that the way they are using the word ‘Lifestyle’ in their discussions is a great disservice to those who belong to the LGBT community. There is a hidden bias in the term lifestyle that insinuates that their sexuality is driven by choice. I think that this is really unfortunate because it seems like the Non-Discrimination Ordinance is doing a bit of discriminating themselves. Yes, they may be advocating for LGBT’s to get more rights, but they are being driven on the idea that maybe this group of people asked for these difficulties by “choosing” to live the LGBT “lifestyle”.  I think that in general, there are many people who are uneducated in the topic of the LGBT community, especially here in Texas. It is really unfortunate that some people truly believe that this is just a choice of whether or not they want to be straight or gay. Heterosexual people don't see themselves as living a straight "lifestyle", they see themselves as just being straight. Therefore, there should be no confusion on whether or not a homosexual is living a lifestyle or not. The LGBT community is simply living their life. They are no different from anyone else.