The Prejudice of Sexuality

CLEVELAND - Thomas Beatie is two different things all at one time, and I am not talking about gender.

He's both hero and freak show.

Beatie, the Oregon man who made international headlines this year when he disclosed his "male pregnancy" to the planet, is an enigma. Since becoming a partially transgendered individual, there have been numerous headlines both blasting him and celebrating his unique situation.

I am conflicted as to how I feel.

No one is a more staunch supporter of individuality and the being-who-you-want-to-be theory than I am, but this story is a bit challenging. The guy always longed to be a guy, when he was a she but once "he" began taking male hormones, he decided to keep his female parts in hopes of one day birthing a child.

That hope became a reality last Spring. Another child is on the way.

Beatie is married to a woman and they appear incredibly happy. I think that this fact is truly all that matters. Society typically frowns on any male not being a "male" but are far more willing to accept a woman "dyking out." This situation is technically about two women being together and one of them "dressing and behaving" like a man. It's also so hard to judge and criticize because there are so many baffling elements involved.

I have no problem with gays or lesbians. I do, however shudder at the thought of a guy doing things with another guy...especially when the guy is someone I looked to as a "symbol of maleness" in his sexual choices. Beatie isn't a guy I admire, but then again he is...basically because of his commitment to being who he is and not allowing the public's snide remarks intimidate him or make him change.

His company is called, "Define Normal."

With the issue of Prop 8 still looming large in the public's mind, this seems like a national commentary on our double standards. America seems to be saying, "Heterosexuals are okay and even desirable, whereas someone who is gay or transgendered is a piece of crap."

That's awful.

Kudos to Beatie and his wife Nancy for living life on their terms but I just wish guys would stay guys and girls would stay girls. At least i admit that it's wrong to have such prejudice.

In many ways, it's just as bad as racism.