I realize that some people base their opinions on their religion, and I respect that. If you chose to dislike someone based solely on something they can't control, that is your business, but I will not share in that opinion. It is my belief that all of us were created exactly the way we are, including our race and our sexual orientation.
For those of you who have heard about the civil rights movement, I'm sure you can observe a a high level of similarity between the hatred towards people of different races in the 1960's and the hatred towards equal rights for same-sex couples that has been a very talked-about issue lately.
Please someone explain the difference between these two photos to me, because aside from the difference of 50 years, I don't really see it. It's groups of people asking to be accepted for who they are. I truly believe that in 50 years we will look back and think, why were we so hateful? Why the discrimination? Why the lack of love? Why the anger?
I have seen first-hand the effects of people who judge without knowing anything about the person and the lasting trauma that it leaves. It's not about disagreeing with someone being different from you, it's about disagreeing in a respectful manner that shows respect for both people. Just because you disagree with someone in terms of homosexuality (or something else) doesn't mean that gives you the right to condemn them, judge them, say insulting things, or treat them any differently than you would someone else.
I understand that what I'm saying is probably one of the biggest disagreements of our time. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is something that we see all the time, whether we realize it or not. We call people names like "faggot" when we are joking, without realizing that for some, the name-calling isn't meant as a joke. The term "gay" takes on a whole new meaning. Instead of meaning "happy or gleeful" it now means something derogatory or mean when applied in most instances. I know we all have probably said it one time or another, but now is the time to stop. Realize what you are saying and how it can hurt someone, and chose to live your life promoting peace and love, not hate and fear.
Now, I say fear only because they have a little thing called "homophobia." I've talked about my fears before. Spiders, plunks, showers, the usual. But homophobia? What, you're scared that it's a disease you can catch? That someone who is gay is automatically going to hit on you against your will? In my opinion, homophobia doesn't exist. You aren't scared. You're an asshole. Just because you disagree with someone doesn't give you the right to attack their beliefs any more than it gives them the right to judge you based on your decisions.
I know a lot of people are probably disagreeing with me saying to themselves, well, I guess we know Amanda isn't a Christian. I find that funny, especially because one, I am an Episcopalian (yes, that means I'm a Christian) and two, because a lot of the gay guys I know are more religious than any other of my friends. No really. They go to church way more than I do. So instead, why don't you call ME anti-Christian instead of them?
So back to square one for a minute. Why discriminate at all? Really, what's the point? We had a lot of very interesting discussions my senior year of college about all of the discrimination that truly happens. I'll be the first to admit that I don't really know a damn thing about being discriminated against. Atticus Finch once said, "If you just learn a single trick, Scout, you'll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it." It's true. I don't know what it's like to be judged for being gay. I don't know what it's like for people to assume things about me because of my skin color. The only thing I really have going against me is that I'm a ginger! Not really hard-news kinda stuff there, people.
But I do know one thing, and it's that it is never too late to change. I was a lucky kid. I grew up in a family that radiated acceptance and love towards all people, no matter their race, color, sexual orientation, or religious preference. Ultimately, these things do not define a person. They are merely parts that make up the whole. What defines us is what we chose to do with our lives. Character is how we treat those who can do nothing for us.
"Integrity means doing the right thing, even when no one is watching." C.S. Lewis
So this week I challenge you to something. Think about someone that you have passed judgement on without getting to know them. In our day and age, it shouldn't be hard. Talk to them. Find out what they think defines them, because I guarantee it's not what you think. Instead of fearing people who are different from you, look them in the eye with the respect that they deserve. I'm sure at the end of the day, you'll be glad that you did.
As for me, I wouldn't be nearly the person I am today without all of my friends, the ones people have passed judgement on, who accepted me for who I was because I accepted them. According to my gay friends, if all else fails, I'll have the best decorated house and be the best dressed one in my neighborhood when I grow up.
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