Gay Conservative

We hear that phrase all the time from the gay community. According to many GLBT folks, it’s the rules and laws of religion and bigots raised in said religion that make us “less than human.” Reader Alex posted a comment on an older blog that was calm but reiterated that position, and I don’t think I’ve ever addressed what he wrote, though I’ve often thought about it.

To a degree, I may be able to understand Alex’s perspective, although even coming from the culture I was raised in–the Christian subculture, always at church or church functions–I disagree with much of it now. Bringing up Fred Phelps and his clan doesn’t really get you anywhere with most Christians these days, because by linking them you’re really just insulting all the other Christians. They don’t claim Phelps, his views, or his actions. So right off the bat you’ll lose respect by pointing that finger. Trust me when I tell you not to go there.

While it used to be true that most priests and pastors would preach about gays as though we were satan himself, it’s rarely the case anymore. Continuing to justify some of our actions by claiming that isn’t winning any hearts or minds, either. I refuse to go to gay pride parades or events that include drag queen strip shows or public displays of sex toys because I have never believed that to be okay for anyone to do–regardless of sexual orientation. That kind of thing only makes us look worse to them.

Christians are NOT to blame for hate crimes. You can’t blame them for those crimes any more than you can blame gun manufacturers for gun deaths. But what about those kids who grow up hearing “hate” preached from the pulpit all their young lives?

I don’t believe that, either. Here’s why.

When I was going through my coming-out crisis, once I got past the initial shock and all the hell that went with it, I still had a lot to go through. I spent six months (at the very least) poring over scripture, trying to figure out what I believed. I was working security part-time at the Phoenix Convention Center at the time, and the Southern Baptist Convention had their annual powwow there.

An organization called Soulforce, led by Rev. Mel White, decided to do a peaceful protest during the convention. Outside the PCC, members of Soulforce held a peaceful demonstration which, on the last night, culminated in the members of Soulforce and the other organizations present forming a line and holding a candlelight vigil while the thousands attending the conference left. It happened to be the night of the big youth rally.

In a move that stunned everyone there, the teenagers coming out of the PCC went down the line of Soulforce members and hugged each and every one of them. Some of them even had their parents staring in disapproval, but they did it anyway. They came in droves to do this. There was no judgment, no hatred. They extended their love and concern to a group of people they knew were misunderstood.

You cannot prejudge a person simply because they call themselves Christians. I am a Christian still, and I am gay. I believe God made me exactly the way I am and loves me without precondition. By holding on to anger, pointing fingers, and carrying signs that say “stop the Christian Taliban,” you’re not getting anywhere. You’re only exacerbating the problem. As long as the gay community tries to alienate religious groups in this fashion, we will continue to hit a brick wall.

We’re not less than human. 95% of Christians in America have not tried (at least not in recent memory) to make us so. Let’s try taking our own advice and be tolerant. Stop pointing fingers and start talking.