Dear editor,

As a queer here at Loyola, I appreciated Marie Tupper’s letter to the editor, “Take caution when choosing biblical quotes.” She pointed out many aspects of sexuality that I have never considered. For example, why is marriage necessary?

Apparently, “by nature, men and women together propagate, so marriage is the norm.” As an intellectual who values critical thinking, I have always been wary of the words “nature” and “norm.” After all, their meanings are instable and culturally constructed, at best. How refreshing it is to have these words explained to me in such a clear manner — I had no idea they were synonyms.

Furthermore, I agree that it is important to be careful in choosing biblical quotes, especially if you are using them to justify discrimination against the actions (the sins, mind you — not the sinners!) of deviants. I would thus like to add to the discussion by pointing out that yes, sex “isn’t necessary in relationships.” In fact, according to the Bible, if I have sex and then later fail to bleed properly on my husband’s bed sheets on our wedding night, I will be stoned to death — and rightfully so.

Sex before marriage is neither natural nor normal. It is deviant — the very antonym of “natural” and “normal.”

So, what is a queer to do? Tupper was very kind in giving me instructions on how to manage my deviancy. I “don’t have to depend solely on that for pleasure.” I can take up knitting or gardening. Pleasure comes in many forms. As Tupper implies, there are some earth-shatteringly fun forms of pleasure that do not even require a partner!

Furthermore, “if same-sex couples want to spend time together for companionship without sexual aspects, then it is as moral as any other relationship.” Hugging is fine; holding hands is sexy. I am, however, curious to know where exactly Tupper draws the line. When does physical presence bleed into physical contact, which then bleeds into something homosexual rather than homosocial? What would Jesus do? Until these questions are answered, the queers must hang tight and resist temptation. Maybe if we are lucky, we will all find that special someone — that homosocial best friend who holds our hands while we seek pleasure in other ways that I will not mention here.

Sincerely,

Chacha Murdick

English writing junior