Why the Closet?

"We are everywhere"; slogan of the gay rights movement in New Zealand. 10% of the population is estimated to be homosexual. But 10% of the population is not seen to be homosexual. While 0.l°/o might be seen and listed, above are ten good reasons why 9.9% of the population remains invisible.

Discovering that one is homosexual is not always a beautiful, romantic and passionate experience. Often it follows a long period of anguish and frustration; culminates in a climax of agony and is followed by confused feelings of fear, guilt, shame and loneliness.

The term "closet" alludes to those of us gay men and lesbians who, having accepted our homosexuality, suppress any overt behaviour which might lead people to even suspect that we are homosexual; a state which needless to say imposes severe restrictions on our social interactions and effectively precludes our developing a political consciousness.

"There are as many kinds of relationships as there are people. Heterosexuals do not have a copyright on love. The worst kind of sickness exists in the minds of those who deny the others the right to be what they choose."

Perhaps we are not interested in the political aspects of our homosexuality? As long as the police can kick your door in, you are very much involved - like it or not - in the politics of homosexuality. Of course we can have an "extended closet" with lots of room in it for others of similar persuasion; others crippled by the same oppression. In fact there is a veritable community of closetted homosexuals who collectively perpetuate the oppression of all.

The "social revolution" that gay rights activists are promoting is an attempt to establish a society free from: repressive laws; discrimination; oppressive societal attitudes causing fear, guilt, shame and loneliness; sexism; sexual stereotyping; and all repressive social institutions. In short, a society which accords full dignity to all human beings without regard to their sexual orientation.