It seems timely that a day after Jason Akermanis' comments regarding his advice for those in his profession not to speak out about their sexuality (well only that which involves sex exclusively with males...as footballers heterosexual and bisexual behaviour has been widely reported) that a Minister in the NSW government has been forced to deal with his sexual behaviour with men.
David Campbell is a man who belongs to a very large group of people in two respects. He has clearly led a life of fluid sexuality and being married and father several children as well as continuing same-sex relations during his marriage all the while forced to keep it secret.
In Australia it is a long held tradition, going back to first settlement of Eur0peans for men identifying as 'straight' to have same-sex relations in 'beats'.
Thankfully in their wisdom successive governments have changed laws allowing for the development of SOPV's (sex on premises venues) or saunas which have allowed men a place to indulge in their needs in a much safer environment than the traditional beats in parks and public toilet facilities.
Unfortunately for many men the fear of being pariahed by society for their same-sex attractions has forced them to lead double lives resulting in much hurt and trauma for all those involved.
David Campbell has sadly for him and his family become a perfect example of the shame in which society hold men doing what is clearly a natural behaviour.
If it was not natural and instinctive he would not do it, after all the risks are clearly very high, though they have lessened from the 14 year jail sentences such behaviour received up until 1984 in NSW.
It is High time that we as a society just dealt with the simple fact that humans have natural attractions to their own sex and such behaviour is not wrong, it is the condemnation and the ensuring trauma and hurt that is what is truly wrong.
I am a strong believer in Monogamy. I believe it creates great strength and character and is something that for me is very important and is a life achievement which shows intense love and commitment. However for many people it is not an option, as they have fluid sexuality or sadly were forced into relationships with a sex that they have less attraction to and therefore need to seek their needs outside of the relationship. Others find monogamy inappropriate and yet have very secure and committed relationships of the heart and mind and look outside their relationships for physical needs only.
I feel very sad for David Campbell and his family for having such a private matter thrust into the public arena, however I hope it does force us to confront our own sexuality. After all from my life experience it is only normal for Australians to have attractions that don't fit what our society has set up as normal.
However I gotta say I think the guy was Shitty Minister for Transport and that was the only reason he should have lost his Ministry, not his personal sexuality and sadest of all that the Premier of NSW allowed him to resign over this matter and yet did nothing to encourage the resignation of her ministers who have been corrupt and inept in their portfolios.