— Homophobia: The fear that another man will treat you like you treat women.

[TW1780]

145. Egregious!!!

I am almost at a loss for words....ALMOST! First, as a female...I feel set back 50 years by this discussion. Secondly, how is being hit on, ANYTHING like rape; and thirdly, how DARE you compare RAPE to HOMOSEXUALITY?? WHAT?

I am appalled that in this day and age that one would even think to compare two such drastically different things. They aren't even related. As a female, I do NOT walk around with a constant fear that I will be raped! I have a healthy awareness of my surrounding. YES, I've been taught to be Cautious and safe and that there is "safety in numbers." I've been taught all the life skills to keep me safe from someone who might want to harm or "Rape" me. But I have made it 35 years and dozens of parking garages...RAPE free. And guess what...I passed "big men" in those garages too!! Come on now!!

Male or female...having a conscious awareness of ur surroundings is always beneficial but let's not get carried away, thinking every man is out to rape us just because they show us a little attention. Rape is about power and control, NOT about flirting and being interested in another person.

And NOW...the real issue for me. RAPE = HOMOSEXUALITY!! PLEASE!! What message is one sending to say that if a gay man (woman) hits on a straight person, it's comparable to a possible rape! None of us walk around with an "I'm gay", "I'm struaght" name tag on. Take it as flattery, say thanks but no thanks and move on.

To even tell a kid that a woman fears being raped like he fears being hit on by a gay male is in my mind, egregious and irresponsible of you...shame on you! Being gay, being hit on (flirted with) and being raped are three completely unrelated topics that you have used to convey a very convoluted and irresponsible point of view!