Some interesting comments there:-
Goudie - I agree that some people will never accept homosexuality. But thankfully, it's a simple fact of life that sooner or later they'll all be dead. In many respects, homophobia is a generational matter which will ultimately disappear. But I quite agree that you can't force anybody to accept anything. It's more a case of creating a proverbially level playing field where gay people are no longer the victims of prejudice, so that even the most bigoted of people might finally recognise gay people for what they are - people. As I said previously, I think the armed forces have done all they can do in this respect now, so it's simply a case of leaving things as they are, until attitudes and perceptions change - which they inevitably will (they already have of course).
Max - I think perhaps you're misinterpreting the definition of acceptance? As I've said, it's impossible to force anybody to accept anything. However, when necessary, of course it's important that some things are forcibly tolerated, although as I've also said, the term "tolerate" is slightly inappropriate for the reasons I mentioned. I presume you wouldn't say that we "tolerate" black people would you?
Pontious - I think I'd be agreeing with you! I don't think I would have wanted to accompany anyone to a pole dancing club either, or hear about it afterwards! But this does prompt me to mention that the connection is continually made between homosexuality and sexual practise. I really, honestly, don't get this. Being gay has only
one meaning - a sexual preference for a person of the same gender. Everything else, including every prejudice, dark mental image or media-fed belief, is purely in one's mind. It's quite absurd to embark upon any view of supposed sexual activities based on the person's sexual preference. What makes someone think that a straight person's activities are any less bizarre or repugnant? What makes someone think that the gay person you're looking at doesn't prefer a cup of tea to swinging from the chandaliers? It's nonsensical. As ever, homosexuality has "baggage" attached to the term which shouldn't be there. The media and religion have encouraged it to stick.
A2QFI - What a completely absurd thing to say. How on Earth is a gay person not the same as a straight person? Does he have an extra limb or something?!The comical aspect of that comment is that I can safely guarantee that you've probably met, talked-to and socialised with more gay people than you'll ever realise. Presumably, on the basis of your comment, you should have been able to spot the fact that they were/are gay though? Of course you didn't have a clue, nor should you have. That's the point!
