Gray None

I have drug my tired eyes through the collage of talk on this subject, and have grown tired of the stereotypes and dogmatic stances of Ayn Rand quotes. As mentioned earlier, think for yourself. Ayn Rand often spoke her opinion on subjects. She never claimed to be a psychologist, and she clearly stated that that was where the question of homosexuality lies. Her domain, philosophy, merely stated that sex was good. Leonard Peikoff has addressed this issue on a radio program, that was taped and is available at the Ayn Rand Bookstore. He essentially said that the choice to be gay is initiated at a very young age, reinforced over and over by a series of choices one makes through childhood and later. A snowballing effect that overlaps itself intricatley with the very core of a persons character and sense-of-life. By the time one identifies this attraction, one has built such an tangled web of sexuality that it is next to impossible to untangle (at least for now, and possibly for the next three thousand years -- psychology is just not advanced enough). He clearly says that it is abnormal and is a choice, BUT in most cases it is completely MORAL. His reasoning (and he believes Ayn Rand would agree with him) is that sex is just too important of a value in a person's life. And if one can't correct this uncorrectable psychological flaw within one's lifetime -- it is proper for that person to say: "I've tried to correct these desires but I can't do it. So Im going to get as much rational values as I can from the desires I do have." Again, we're speaking about a psychological abnormailty, NOT a philosophical one. A friend of mine once said that Roark would still be Roark even if he was gay. He is so much more than his sexuality; His greatness would not be diminished -- his sexuality is incidental at best. I concur. And before anyone mentions it -- I am speaking of a monogomous, healthy, age-appropriate, consentual relationship; i.e, the same moral definitions given to heterosexuality. As a gay man myself, I can attest that I do not partake in the idea of man/woman role playing in my relationships. The thought is absurd. I am a man, and the person I am romantic with is a man also. My mannerisms, my taste in clothes, my music, taste in art, etc., are all influenced, first, by my nature as a reasoning man, musician, artist, philosopher -- then my sensuality, sexuality and homosexuality.

I Adore the Smashing Pumpkins. Unfortunately they are another band wrecked from inner turmoil. How long before great artists realize that there is no loss when others are great (or at least good) too?

Don't forget about Incubus -- their lyrics are strongly based on individualism and strength (Plus their sound goes from soft to hard -- regardless of taste, one should enjoy some of their songs). For the modern rock sound, Mindless Self Indulgence, is influenced by Ayn Rand's writings. And for more of a cry against second-handers and the melting faces of mediocrity, try A Perfect Circle (Note: Explicit lyrics are included on the non-clean versions of their CDs.)