Momento 24 Article on Ibrahimovic & Pique: 2/26/2010

Here is a link to an article written by RedactorD at Momento 24.

http://momento24.com/en/2010/05/07/ibrahimovich-gave-a-hard-reply-over-his-alleged-sexual-relationship-with-pique/

"In the middle of the scandal that involves him with teammate Gerard Pique, Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovich did not mince words to reply a reporter about his sexual preference."

Man Of His Word by Michael Farber, Sports Illustrated

Here is a link to an article written by Michael Farber at Sports Illustrated.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1166489/index.htm

Here is an excerpt of the article:

After Brendan publicly revealed his sexual preference, Brian was flooded with requests to do advocacy work on behalf of gays. He told the groups that while he supported his son, he had other causes: land conservation, blood donation and children's literacy.

This was my response to Michael:

Hi Michael,

I just finished reading Man Of His Word, your Sports Illustrated article about Brian Burke. Thank you for writing it; it was beautifully written.

In the last paragraph on page 2, you wrote, "After Brendan publicly revealed his sexual preference...". The term "sexual preference" implies that being gay is a choice. I believe the more appropriate term is "sexual orientation".

My sexual orientation was assigned to me genetically, just like the color of my eyes and skin. I didn't have a choice in deciding on any of these attributes, so it wouldn't be fair in calling them preferences.

I strongly feel that one of the problems facing the gay community is the misconception that homosexuality is a choice. Some people assume that I woke up one morning and decided to be gay. Not to say I am not proud of who I am, and always proud to speak up on a subject that affects the gay community.

It is important that people understand that homosexuality isn't a decision that should be tolerated, but rather an attribute that should accepted.

Jeff Kagan

I was happy to get a reply, although it doesn't seem like he intends to revise his article:

Jeff,

Thanks for pointing out the difference.

Best wishes.

Michael Farber
SI senior writer

Welcome to "It's Not A Preference!"

Several times over the past few years, I have noticed the term sexual preference come up in the media. This is a pet peeve, and something I have decided to do something about. I am setting up this blog to point out these instances and see if I can educate the misinformed, and try to get them to use the term correctly.

In most cases, when the term sexual preference is misused, it is being used to describe one's sexual orientation. Sexual preference implies there is a preference or choice to one's sexuality, as if homosexuals (and heterosexuals alike) have the option to choose their sexual orientation. This perpetuates the myth that one's sexual orientation is a choice.

Do you have the option to choose your sexual orientation?

You know the answer to that. So do I.

(Note: this does not apply to members of the "Ex-Gay Christian" movement. Apparently, they can choose their sexuality. And one day, when their teachers convince them that they can fly, we will start hearing stories on the news of unexplained piles of Ex-Gay Christians lying in pieces at the bottom of a ravine, with dreadful, yet questioning looks on their faces.)

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I'll be keeping an eye on the media for the term "sexual preference". If you see or hear it used inappropriately, let me know! Email me at itsnotapreference@gmail.com.

Feel free to comment on this post as well as future posts. Naturally, I have the right to delete anything I deem to be offensive, or simply stupid. If you don't like it, start your own blog, and tolerate accept mine. :)