All sexuality is a gift from God

Editor:

Paul Stenhouse's letter (Oct. 31) contends that "the purpose of intercourse is to procreate" and thus that "homosexuality isn't natural."

I'm 45. My wife and I have two children, and I've had a vasectomy. I presume that this means to the letter's author that I should therefore never again experience sexual pleasure. With procreation out of the picture it wouldn't be "natural." I presume, too, that the author would condemn all contraception.

Fortunately my religious community, the Quakers, and I hold a wider view. Sexuality - straight or gay, at age 20 or 80 - is a gift of God. Beyond its perhaps too efficient role in reproduction, it helps join us together in bonds of love and commitment with each other and with God. Loving, committed, sexual relationships bring stability to our communities, sustenance in our struggles, and joy to our lives.

The fact is that God creates us in a variety of sexualities; so this must be what God intends. To me this means that when put to life-affirming, holy use, my sexuality, yours, and that of the folks next door are all natural.

Warren Ostrom
Social Worker,
Geriatric and Family
Services Clinic