Hey Gerry, that's a word for that. It's called "bi"

[Strangler Lewis]

As I understood him previously, GD's disagreement extended beyond abusing the "privacy" of a public figure to the wisdom of labels in general. On this point, I agree with SM that such labels--be they labels of religion, sexuality or political affiliation--can be useful to broadly generalize about a person's viewpoints and sympathies.

I also think in Butler's case there's the point that refusing to be labeled suggests that there's something to apologize for or be embarrassed about. My dad used to tell the story about how during WWII training, some other soldier asked if he was a Jew. To which my dad replied, "Yeah," and went about what he was doing. The other guy said that my dad was the first Jew that he got a straight answer from without a lengthy history and endless qualifications.

This is not to say that the guy's question was appropriate, or that my father ever had much use for his religion.

[Alex]

It's kind of weird to think that "no comment" would be better than him pretty honestly describing his preferences but not using a specific word. And he seems to be saying in that quote that he finds it annoying that when he talks about his sexuality it ends up with exaggerated labels. So its seems quite logical he'd not then try to label himself if that is his bone of contention.

Wondering, though, as to the exact question being answered (which can really influence how a response should be read; for example, if the question were "what do you think of attempts to brand you as either straight or gay?") I decided to see if the original article could be found online. Turns out that, according to Movieline, no such article or interview has graced their pages. So he quite possibly never said what you have a problem with.

[SzczerbiakManiac]

I think we're gonna have to agree to disagree on this one GD. I think what Butler said (assuming he did indeed say it, thank you Alex) was just silly and I'm not overly bothered by it. (Granted, I am "bothered" about it enough to make a thread.) You seem to have much more visceral feelings about the topic which I don't understand.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Movieline magazine (the supposed interviewer) says the interview never happened. But the discussion is still valid.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Okay, I was just discussing the topic you brought up, don't really know how that makes it more "visceral".

I think your reaction to it pretty well proves his alleged point, as Alex said restated it, that people can't just accept his discussion of his sexuality at face value, they feel the need to frame it terms of "gay, straight, bi," which, imo (and allegedly his) obscures the issue by segmenting things instead of treating everyone as individuals.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

"Gay, straight, bi" assumes that people aren't fluid to begin with. I think some people - not all, mind you, but some people - are fluid, and move up and down the Kinsey scale depending on mood or age or experience, or whatever their choice or instinct. And I agree, SM, that you are demonstrating the tendency in question, of labeling someone who may not specifically fit the label, and who would prefer not to be labeled.

It's hard to come up with an appropriate parallel here, because there aren't a tremendous amount of things that have the liquidity of some people's sexuality without veering towards personal choice versus biology. My vegetarianism is as fluid as some people's sexuality, but I'm choosing that.

[lashbear]

Originally Posted by LSPoorEeyorick

My vegetarianism is as fluid as some people's sexuality, but I'm choosing that.

Darling, I think you just outed yourself.

...I never knew you were "One Of Those" ?

Sooo, do YOU slice your cucumbers then?



(Oh, and BTW: the cucumber joke is meant to be told about a person buying a big thick long salami - the offer for the shopkeeper to slice it for them makes more sense then. Standard reply is usually "Do I look like a slot machine", or "Whaddaya think I am? - a letterbox?")

[Ghoulish Delight]

Hehehehe. Fluid.

[SacTown Chronic]

Originally Posted by Ghoulish Delight

Hehehehe. Fluid.

You're so gay.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Some people feel they've chosen their sexuality.

Personally, I've moved on the Kinsey scale. It's possible I would move back, but at this stage, I doubt it. I've been a straight girl, then spent a few years at bi, and now I think I'm pretty solidly a 5. I'm one husband away from being gay.

It feels a little strange to say that since my last date with a girl was a couple of years ago, but that's ok. Attraction doesn't depend on behavior. A bi person who's dating someone is still bi.