‘Gay agenda’ is a misnomer

On Sunday, May 8, Dr. Keith Ablow is quoted as disapproving when a mother painted her son’s toenails pink. He stated that “It may be fun and games now, Jenna, but at least put some money aside for psychotherapy for the kid,” he wrote on Foxnews.com.

I strongly disagree with his viewpoint. The inference is that the boy will be harmed by this action — as it is a not stereotypical or a heterosexual activity for a young boy. The inference is that the mother’s actions will somehow make the boy “gay.” The American Psychological Association supports allowing a child to determine their own sexual orientation and gender identity. The boy is who he is. Having his toenails painted can do no harm.

The American Family Association supported Dr. Ablow’s comments. While the AFA acknowledges that people cannot help how they feel, it still claims that gays can be “cured.” Its website attacks companies supporting the “gay agenda.”

Based upon the assessments of the AFA and Dr. Ablow, I should be a heterosexual woman. I was raised in a conservative Christian home, completed confirmation when I was 13, was involved in AWANA, and wore dresses through high school. However, I am a lesbian. My being a lesbian was certainly not due to how my parents raised me. It is simply who I am.

I have been employed by the same company for over 30 years, I own a home, pay my taxes, and when possible, shop locally. As to the “homosexual agenda,” I find it odd that the only ones touting the agenda are those with conservative Christian beliefs. I respect their beliefs, but have great difficulty with them supposedly defining “my agenda.”

How is a desire to be accepted and respected within the community limited to those who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender? If that in fact is the “homosexual agenda,” then I suspect that many of those touting themselves to be heterosexual are really homosexual.

Dayle Roberts

Palatine