[Jamo]

We can't guarantee that a thread will stay on track...much of that has to do with the thread-starter's involvement and powers of persuasion.

However...you did just ask the following question: Here is a test for you. If you are 40 and up, what was your view of gays back in 1980-1985?

As it turns out, during that time period I was working for a multi-state agricultural association, basically doing what I do now except for "members" rather than "clients." Obviously, the organization was (and is) ultra-conservative...to the right of the Farm Bureau. My legal secretary was a gay man who had served in Vietnam and had wounds and honors signifying his extraordinary service to this country. Fastest damn typist I've ever had (IBM typewriters in those days).

It was during that period that my current position regarding gays was formulated...again, for me it has little to do with our own individual morals and value judgements, and everything to do with folks...all folks...being able to secure the same benefits and security. See, this guy and his partner (another Viet Vet) had adopted several orphans during the sunset of our time in Southeast Asia, and had brought them back to give them a shot at life. They had more than a few problems with insurance coverage and retirement beneficiary designations back then, and always were asked a few extra questions when applying for day care, etc.

So, for every perception based on fornicating rabid sodomizers, you have folks whose perceptions are based on something else...like mine.

As to HIV and AIDS, I've obviously had to deal with the legal ramifications of it at the workplace for the past 30 years, and most certainly under the ADA when it came to be. Yup...pissed me off then that whole groups of folks were just plain stupid and brought this hell upon society...gays, Haitians, monkey-phukers, IV drug users and swingers from the 70s.