A dating relationship is meant to indulge, build on, and expand romantic feelings, which are intimately tied to the development of the intimate physical relationship. In other words, dating is meant to lead to marriage. So, the short answer is, no.
It is perfectly possible, however, for two homosexuals to have a chaste friendship with each other, whatever their other feelings may be. I personally have seen several examples of that, and they are perfectly happy, fulfilled individuals. (Who, for the record, resent being told that because they are celibate, they are somehow horrible aberrations who need to be “taught better.”)
Here is an excerpt from an article (which I have not read in full) that was going around tumblr today. I offer it just as something to think about:
“Doubtless no matter how many models of chaste same-sex love the Church offers, many contemporary gay people will still reject its hard teachings. But it couldn’t hurt to try. So often I’m asked questions that boil down to the angry or anguished plea, “Is there anything in my love and desire that the Catholic Church can respect?” I’d be shocked if as much as five percent of gay people who grew up Catholic even know that there’s precedent for their lives, and faithfully Catholic beauty available to them. I’d be shocked if anyone had ever even suggested a vision of a world where God, Church, family, and community could celebrate their love while still requiring that this love express itself as chaste friendship or mystical approach to God rather than as gay sex. [emphasis added.]
In a world of Gay Pride, the Catholic Church offers a unique opportunity to celebrate gay humility. Maybe we should start telling people about it.”
