When Gods loved young men...

In 1973, American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from the official manual that lists mental and emotional disorders. 2 year later, the American Psychological Association passed a resolution supporting the removal. Homosexuality is now everywhere. Straight people are no more straight, and gay people are making their presence felt.

Thanks of Alfred Kinsey’s research, we now know sexuality is not just black and white. It’s also got a lot of grey. From his Sexual Orientation Continuum graph, we can understand our sexual orientation just a little better. By accepting that many people have bisexual tendencies but to different degrees, many of us will come to understand our own sexualities. Still, it is a ‘lifestyle’ that is still frowned upon by many. Yes there are laws in certain countries to protect homosexual people, but laws do not generate acceptance from society… only tolerance. But as we look back in history there is evidence of homosexuality in ancient cultures. Ancient Greece serves as a prime example for it has long been portrayed as a homosexual paradise for today’s modern gays and lesbians. Is it really? Would practices in ancient Greece be accepted with the values modern day society hold?

It is quite well known that Homosexuality in ancient Greece is considered a phenomenon, which was regarded as a form of higher love. It was celebrated in history, art and literature. This is evident from the wealth of material from ancient Greece pertinent to issues of sexuality, ranging from dialogues of Plato, such as the Symposium, to plays by Aristophanes, and Greek artwork and vases.

In fact, it was considered a social duty for a young man and part of a male youth’s education. It was revered and was reserved only for the middle class and aristocrats. Greek society was largely patriarchal and male dominated in which their ideal of beauty and intellectualism was embodied in young men. However, there were social ethics which had to be adhered. It was uncommon for 2 older men to have homosexual relations. Such relationships were reserved for a youth, (some studies say between the ages 12-14 and some say between 14-20) and a young male, usually aged between 20-30.

A man over the age of 30 who continued to pursue these youths would be considered odd or eccentric. However, they would not be persecuted or suffer any legal threats or consequences. These men were expected to start a family with a young wife, usually in their mid teens.

A male youth would be courted by many young men and eventually would choose one as his lover. They would then be free to appear together in social functions held. Relationships between two adult men of similar age were unusual and open to ridicule, as were relations with overly young boys.

Nevertheless, the relationship between a youth and a young male were both erotic and educational. Boys and men would spend their days in both intellectual and physical exercises at gymnasiums. Youth weren't just valued for their bodies, but also for their minds and their ability to reason and debate. Ultimately, the goal of Greek education was the attainment of male perfection.

The policy and legal debates surrounding how society in the modern day deals with homosexuality involve fundamental issues of morality and justice. Clearly, ancient Greece is a thing of the past. It would also fail as a haven for homosexuals in the present due to its social ‘guidelines’ and restrictions.

Still, if an ancient civilization could accept the act of homosexuality in a time when Gods took young men as their lovers and homosexual relationships were only permitted between adolescents and young men, I don’t see why modern day society cannot appreciate love in its varied form.