The problem is that a lot of people would still take exception to such things being in children's books.

The last time I checked, homosexuality included an erotic element in it.

Sorry folks, this one I do not see at all. If anything, I see DD a-sexual.

Agreed that the erotic element is not explicit in the portrayal of Dumbledore's and Grindelwald's friendship but I must say that there was something there, something almost intangible, which spelled something more than just a friendship that blossomed and died. When I read it (and this was prior to knowing about JKR's statement regarding Dumbledore's sexuality), I had this irresistable feeling that this was a passionate, albeit doomed, love affair, a meeting of minds and bodies if you like. I don't have to books handy so unfortunately I cannot provide a supporting quote. I never interpreted Dumbledore's little peculiarities or his flamboyant robes as indicating homosexuality, but I definitely picked up a vibe in connection with Grindelwald.

I do however agree that it is just that; a vibe, not explicit, it is a side story that exists outside of the main plot (of course the tragic end of the relationship with Grindelwald and Dumbledore's consequent guilt is important, but not whether there was a love affair or merely friendship). It is open for interpretation and I also agree that before I knew about Grindelwald Dumbledore comes across as distinctly asexual and alone. Harry himself admits to himself, when he reads Elphias Doge's piece in the Daily Prophet that he imagines Dumbledore having sprung into life the way he is: Old, wise and benevolent. The idea that he was once young is simply odd. Perhaps this is why his dealings with Grindelwald stands out as something more than mutual inspiration and recognition of another brilliant mind.

I think that interpreting it as more than friendship explains Dumbledore's character (and his actions) better than if it wasn't.

From the Chili's at Tampa Airport..

What the two of you see as an intangible to a personal attraction I see as an intangible to power lust. Remember the common term they developed ... for the greater good! They were both willing to blow the statute on secrecy to hell and gone to get their way. What brought DD back? The death of his lovely, wonderful, sweet, innocent sister Ariane. She,to me, is the finding point of DD's love.

Again, I agree that it is possible to read the passages about Grindelwald without thinking it was anything other than a platonic, albeit very intense, friendship. However, it is definitely also possible to read the same passages, without knowing anything about Jo Rowling's comments regarding Dumbledore's sexuality, and draw the conclusion that the feelings shared by these two had an erotic and physical component.

I feel that this physical aspect of their relationship is hinted at in the description of Grindelwald. When we meet him he is this wild, untamed beautiful (on the surface at least) being. When I read that, I wondered what the reason behind this could be.

But isn't the description of GG from HP POV? The first time we hear of him it's Harry describing how he looks, not DD. To say the physical aspect of their relationship is related to how he looks isn't a hand in hand theory being that it's Harry who is describing him. If we were going by how someone views GG appearance one could conclude that Harry is gay by using that logic. Does DD ever describe how GG looks? I don't recall him doing that. I remember them talking about their lust for power, but that's about it.