Monday, November 1, 2010

In support of all love: Guest Peer Leader Blog Post by Hannah Davis

These last few months have been filled with tragic deaths, all of which could have been avoided if only our society was more understanding and less homophobic. We lost nine youth recently, including Seth Walsh from California, Asher Brown from Texas, Felix Sacco from Massachusetts, and Caleb Nolt from Indiana. I for one am appalled and saddened that these teens feel so stigmatized that they felt suicide was the only option.

You’d think that by now we would have overcome these biases and found ways to accept those who are different from us. But is it that much of a shock when in this day and age we continue to ban gay marriage, say things like “that’s so gay”, have ignorant beliefs such as “being gay is a choice” and have people espousing the idea that being gay is an abomination that goes against the bible and God.

Who is saying this? Is it only those who are religious? Or people who have grown up with these ideas all their lives?

No. As much as we might like to group those who are anti-gay activists into a neat little group, we can’t. People of all races, religions, ages, social classes, education, and ethnicities may have these negative views. Even though every new generation is showing a reduction in biases regarding racism, sexism, and sexual orientation, we still see younger people who are stuck in these prejudicial ways.

What is distressing about this to me is that there are very few truly safe and welcoming places for those in the LGBTQQI community to be open about their sexual orientation without being afraid of hate crimes, discrimination, and violence. While changes are being made by groups such as FCKH8, Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance, the "It Gets Better" project, and various gay pride parades, Americans still struggle with the idea of being open minded and accepting of homosexuality.

I want to know why people are so bigoted. Why must the majority put down those who are already under-represented? Will society as a whole eventually understand that there is no difference between heterosexual and homosexual couples? How long will it take for society to realize that ALL love for one another is precious and sacred? And perhaps most importantly, I wonder if the discrimination will ever end.

My belief is that yes, we will one day live in a country that is welcoming to all sexual orientations. It will be a struggle at every step, but each small victory for those who are being stigmatized is worth the fight.

As Abraham-Hicks once said, “A belief is only a though you continue to think. A belief is nothing more than a chronic pattern of thought, and you have the ability – if you try even a little bit – to begin a new pattern, to tell a new story, to achieve a different vibration, to change your point of attraction.” These empowering words give me hope that every time a person protests against abuse and mistreatment of the LGBTQQI community, we will slowly change the minds of others. By educating the public and promoting awareness, love, and compassion we can take that engrained pattern and begin a new one that is more accepting.