If a term doesn't exist, is that good or bad?

Through the discussion of the book "Straight," the question came up whether if a term, such as "straight," doesn't exist, does the concept itself exist? It's an applicable question even in today's society. Especially in the Middle East, the argument is made that "homosexuality doesn't exist." Yet from an outsider's perspective, the argument Is often made that homosexuality does exist everywhere in the world.

In essence, an argument can be made that even though a term might not exist for a certain item, it still does exist. Yet it is a decision by society whether it's important enough for society to label it within their language. That decision by the society is the key interesting point - whether society sees enough value in something to label it. In essence, the concept "You only see things that you know" applies directly here to language. Often enough, we run across words in foreign languages that we don't have a perfect translation to in English.

I know of someone who is currently studying in Jordan for the semester - the Middle East, where homosexuality is often seen as a topic that is not talked about. It's an interesting concept for the American and European society - with no talk about homosexuality, both the positive comments and the negative comments about it disappear. So is a neutral playing field - lacking both the positives above the normal line and the extreme negatives below the normal line - better than having constant ups and downs? Is it better differentiating between homosexuality and heterosexuality?

Those who have lived in the United States and experienced mostly the negative aspects of being a homosexual man would prefer a society where such a difference between homosexuality and heterosexuality does not exist. Neither is glorified nor scorned. However, those who have seen the positives of celebrating one's sexuality and uniqueness within a sexuality - another way to define yourself as a unique individual of the six billion people on the world - would appreciate having the distinguishment made between straight and queer.

Yet it's always an issue of debate, whether to acknowledge a difference and therein discriminate, or to overlook the difference for the sake of equality for all. Personally I do not feel that sexual orientation should be a distinguishing factor within society. Especially in a society where we're apparently making such an effort "not" to talk about sex, we're placing way too much emphasis on the fact who one sleeps with.