So I've been working on this post for about two weeks now. I had to keep not letting myself publish it because it's something I feel very strongly about and I'm pissed about how Brother William's talked about it.
Let me start off with a quote from the church's website (http://www.mormonsandgays.org) Which is a kick butt sight, and if you haven't had a chance to look at it and watch some of the videos, I highly recommend it!
"The Church’s approach to this issue stands apart from society in many ways. And that’s alright. Reasonable people can and do differ. From a public relations perspective it would be easier for the Church to simply accept homosexual behavior. That we cannot do, for God’s law is not ours to change. There is no change in the Church’s position of what is morally right. But what is changing — and what needs to change — is to help Church members respond sensitively and thoughtfully when they encounter same-sex attraction in their own families, among other Church members, or elsewhere."
Last week in Family Relations the topic was homosexuality. I knew from the start this would be a tough subject for me because everyone views it so differently. And I knew the majority of the class would not see it how I do, and if they did, they sure as heck didn't act like it!
I tried to have an open mind and I told myself I would leave class that day more aware of the feelings of those around me, and I would be a better person for it. Then class started. Here's a direct quote from Brother Williams on the subject of a child being raised by two dads, "The baby would be lost under the couch with the remote somewhere!" And one more on just, being gay..., "As a young boy they were not thinking, I wanna go smooch me a man." Ok. I don't feel like I even need to go into specifics of how wrong it was for him to say those things.
My brother is Gay. He's also a hard working student and has an awesome job at the Apple store. He's the coolest brother I could ask for. And he's happy. He's FINALLY happy! He's been hiding who he really is from his family and friends for basically his entire life. Jesse didn't think we would accept him because he was born attracted to men. When Jesse came out he thought it would change how his extreme LDS family saw him. And heck yeah it did! I have never loved my brother more and I have never looked up to him more. He was born different. He was born with a trial that he had to deal with in his own time, in his own way. I may not agree with him in every aspect of how he lives his life, and I'm sure he doesn't agree with exactly how I live my life. But when have siblings ever agreed on anything, am I right? I don't think I would ever be able to be a courageous as Jesse, and I am so proud to call him my brother.
There was a lot of discussion in class about how wrong it is for those poor kids that have to be raised in a homosexual household. And as I've said over and over again in this blog, isn't love what matters? The only was I can imagine that being a problem is if for some reason gays love their children less... It's a silly thought! Whether a child is raised by two moms, two dads, a mom and a dad, or freaking aliens, they're going to be loved. Their parents are going to do everything in their power to raise healthy, happy kids.
Many people think Mormon's are against homosexuality. If you think that, I recommend visiting the website link I put at the beginning of this post and reading about what we think instead of just making assumptions. Many member's of the church are misinformed and close minded. Heck I was! I would make fun of gays all the time a few years ago, and I'm certainly not proud of that. But I made fun of it because I didn't understand it, I didn't know what to think.
Where the Church stands: (A quote from the website)
The experience of same-sex attraction is a complex reality for many people. The attraction itself is not a sin, but acting on it is. Even though individuals do not choose to have such attractions, they do choose how to respond to them. With love and understanding, the Church reaches out to all God’s children, including our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters.
As a Christian, I am trying to live my life following Christ's footsteps. I'm trying to become like him so I can return to my Father in Heaven someday. And I think in a way, everyone's trying to be a little more Christlike, whether that means reserving our judgements, being good neighbors, honest people, or accepting of everyone around us.
