Gays Should Have Separate Quarters

PointsTraditionally men and women do not bunk together for myriad reasons some of the most common being sexual attraction, embarrassment over nudity and other bodily functions, and a lack of shared interests (i. e. hair and makeup etc). These same principles apply to homosexuals as well. Sexual AttractionLetting gays share dorms or quarters with people of the same sex will be akin to allowing certain men to bunk in the woman's dormitory. Letting homosexuals remain in the quarters of their own sex can cause heterosexuals to feel uncomfortable. The idea of your roommate, let's say a gay man, sharing the same area where you shower and change is an extremely disturbing thought for most people. It's not that the homosexuals keep bad company but the thought of the possibility of your roommate finding you sexually attractive would be an awkward situation that should not be allowed to happen. Lack of Similar Interests While this may not seem like an important point to bring up it can have a strong affect on how well roommates get together. If there are one or two homosexuals in a dorm or tent housing many other straight people there could be a conflict of interests. There is a distinctive gay culture [1] (it's not present in all gays, no, but it exists in many) that could clash with heterosexual culture such as the idea of multiple partners, gay exclusive bars and clubs, or even talking about other gays or sexual activities. Heterosexuals could find these topics to be distasteful leading to a division. It also works vis-a-versa where say, gay men might not want to hear about the hottest actresses or models, they might not want to discuss women or in some cases other masculine activities. This potential lack of similar interests could cause awkward divisions in living spaces or even conflict amongst roommates. ConflictLetting homosexuals share space with heterosexuals in a living environment could lead to conflict and even marginalization. The fact that a single person or few people are homosexual could lead the rest of the group to outcast or marginalize them. Different treatment between people could crop up due to lack of interests or intolerance. "It has often been said that permitting open homosexuality in the armed services would create conflict between homosexuals in the ranks and those who disapprove of homosexuality, thus undermining good order and discipline. .. " [2]"Unfortunately, we have a minority of service members who are still racists and bigoted and you will never be able to get rid of all of them. " [2] - Lt. Gen. Thomas BostickAs you can see from these excerpts the worries over conflict between straights and gays have been mentioned and there are intolerant people, there will always be intolerant people. EqualityThe separation of gays will be in now way a discriminatory action. This separation will be in benefit of both sides and is no different than the separation of men from women. Based on these differences and in order to avoid harmful or awkward situations the two groups should be separated. It would simply be a place for homosexuals to bunk apart from the heterosexuals during "living time" such as showering, changing and sleeping. Everything else can stay the same. The same rec-rooms, same eating areas, same sports teams etc. Just in living situations where these differences are most likely to manifest themselves they should be separated on the same grounds that men and women are separated. Preferred, Accepted and NeutralSome colleges have already started setting up "gender neutral" housing and LGBT zones for the same reasons I have just laid out and it has been found that gays actually prefer it! [3] They say some feel safer and more comfortable rooming with neutral people of the opposite sex or others of the same sexual orientation as themselves. "Today's college students, gay or straight, are more likely to have close friends of a different gender and this housing option is simply the next step in the evolution of college housing," says Jeffrey Chang, co-founder and associate director of National Student Genderblind Campaign. [3]This being said I see no reason that gays and straights should have separate living arrangements since both sides will benefit and feel more comfortable. Separate or neutral housing areas are now being introduced into society and have been found to be effective, accepted and preferred to the traditional style of living. Thank you. [1] . http://en.wikipedia.org...[2] . http://www.amnation.com...[3] . http://gaylife.about.com...