Disclaimer 2: What I'm going to say, some of you aren't going to like, but know that I'm not stereotyping or lumping all people of one group together. I'm just using labels, I guess. Don't be offended by something that doesn't apply to you. I'm not saying all girls are brats or all boys are tools, you know what I mean? If it applies to you, listen, if not, stand next to me and stand up.
I was once having a discussion with a gay friend of mine on my other (numerous) gay friends. He said to me, "Amber, you're not a fag hag. You're THE Fag Hag." On some level this was a compliment. Actually on every level this was a compliment. I pride myself on being someone who doesn't judge based on anything you can't overcome. Yeah, sometimes I slip up, but for the most part, it's who I am. I'm tolerant of everyone, or at least try my best to be. ((Which isn't to say that I don't have my own obvious glaring flaws and imperfections)). And it kills me to hear that so many people are so against something that has proven to be helpful.
I know certain denominations of Christianity teach us that homosexuality is wrong. But I know a lot of homosexuals and I don't know one person who made the choice to be gay. I watched two of my close friends struggle with their feelings for other men and what they were taught in church. It isn't easy to be gay.
GSA has the potential to be a place homosexuals (and their straight friends!) can go to be in a group where they can find sympathy, empathy and support. And hopefully, a judgment free zone.
I'm not saying that everyone who joins GSA is going to be nonjudgmental, we're all human and we all have the capacity to sin. But I think if you're going to say "love the sinner, hate the sin", you need to allow the sinner everything they need to help themselves. In this case, the GSA.
I don't think having the GSA on campus is a bad thing. Like people have pointed out, there are statistics that show a drop in hate crimes and an increase in tolerance on campuses that have GSAs.
And I'm surprised. I'm surprised so much hate has come out of something that is supposed to encourage tolerance.
Some of you may know that I've never been the kind of Christian to preach. It's not who I am. I have this whole big theory on God and the world and destiny and our decisions that I'm sure most religious officials would like to debunk. But part of Christianity is interpretation. With all that said, we're all allowed to be ourselves. I can be a Jesus loving writer with the mouth of a baby sailor and my male best friend can be bisexual.
In this day and age, there is a lot of war going on. Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, terrorism, etc.... why are we fighting something like this? Even if you believe that homosexuality is a choice (it's not), I'm willing to bet 99% of homosexuals aren't going to try to convert you. But as Christians, we believe it is our duty, nay our right, to convert atheists, Muslims, Buddhists, and evolutionists alike. We believe OUR way is the RIGHT and ONLY way. And I know that's not fair. It's not fair that we dictate what others can and can't do, especially if they don't share our beliefs. And if they do share our beliefs, I'm thankful that they choose to continue believing despite obvious opposition from those who are supposed to be brothers and sisters in Christ.
I hope... no I pray that the Gay-Straight Alliance passes Friday because I think a lot of you need a wake up call. You talk about how the Bible was written a long time ago and it says this that and the other thing, but you don't listen. You don't listen to what others around you are saying. I believe in Jesus and the Bible, but all we know about that time is what Christians chose to write about. Maybe there were 13 gay disciples who hung out in an upper room somewhere spreading the love of Christ. We don't know.
If you believe in God and Jesus, then you believe a) God made each and every one of us, b) God knows all the decisions we make before we make them, and c) He does not give us anything we cannot handle. If this is correct, then a) homosexuality is not a choice, b) He knew who would fake heterosexuality to be accept and who would boldly go against the grain and openly be gay and c) He knew the plight each of them would face and knew they could handle it. He knew which of you would stand behind them and which of you would turn against them.
And you can't argue that you're not 'turning against them'. Because by not supporting them, you are. And for those of you who argue that you wouldn't support your friend's drug habit, it's not the same. Drugs are an addiction. Homosexuality is a lifestyle that (I repeat) is not a choice.
To leave you, I'd like to leave you with a passage from the Bible. And some of you may already know what's coming. From 1 Corinthians 13:4-8...
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."
I shouldn't have to spell out here the parts of it some of you aren't following. That should be clear enough. But if you say you're a Christian and you "love your gay friends," stop keeping record of (what you believe is) wrong and love your neighbor as yourself.Peace, love, hope,
Amber
Ps- If you feel that as a graduate, I shouldn't have an opinion on this, you're mistaken. As a proud graduate of A-B, I would LOVE to see our institution take this step.
