d influential people were homosexuals or bisexuals. Some examples are Rock Hudson, Plato, Leonardo da Vinci, Julius Ceasar, Alexander the Great, and Michelangelo. Homosexuals who live and interact in a homophobic society could lose their self-respect. They fear they will be ridiculed and not accepted by society, which could cause them to lose their self-esteem.What makes a person gay? Does anyone really know? Is it genetic abnormalities or the environmental factors? Some researchers agree it is a combination of genetics, biology, and environmental influences working together that determines sexual preference. Studies suggest gay men may be homosexual due to a genetic link with a X chromosome which is inherited from their mothers (Dahir 30). In early studies the XYY syndrome, in which males inherit an extra Y chromosome, may lead to antisocial, aggressive behavior, below average intelligence, and homosexuality(2). This has been a controversial topic. If everyone had all the right answers, would it change people’s views on homosexuals? Would discrimination against gays and lesbians go away? Environmental factors such as culture, customs, politics, and religion could be the cause. According to Isay there is no real evidence to support this (Dahir 13).Michael Lassell is a gay poet, critic, and essayist. He lives in New York City. He received the Lambda Literary Award for his books, “A Flame for the Touch That Matters” and “Decade Dance”. He received degrees from Colgate University, California Institute of the Arts, and Yale.Michael also wrote the poem “How To Watch Your Brother Die” in which he shows see examples of homophobia. “How to Watch Your Brother Die” is a poem about a man’s gay brother who is dying of AIDS. The brother has to deal with his homophobic feelings when his heart leads him to California to see his dying brother. He did not know how to respond to his brother̵...
