Some people know that I grew up in a very strong (for lack of better words) Catholic family.
Still to this day, if anyone asks about my religion I say “I’m Catholic”. I’ve
not always agreed with some of their “rules & regulations” (again for lack
of better words). But it’s all I know. It’s all I
have ever really cared to associate myself with and this has been MY own
personal choice. But I still don’t
always agree with it. In fact, after I turned 19 I never went back to church. It just
wasn’t for me. I know that there is a God, and we either go to heaven or hell. I
know right from wrong, and on many occasions I have chosen wrong on purpose. But
knowing, and having faith in him are enough for me.
--Anyway, enough on my religion, I’m getting really sidetracked.--
Last Tuesday, I read about Amendment One passing in North Caroline. Then that Wednesday, I read an article
in Rolling Stone about the front man for Against Me! coming out as a
transgender. Now, as I was growing up, I was always told that this was wrong. Being gay was wrong. Changing
your gender was wrong. It was an insult to our creator. He made us a certain way
for a reason and who were we to change that? Well, maybe they’re right. Maybe it
is all wrong? But that doesn’t mean people aren’t curious or have certain
feelings that they can’t help. I can recall a few times that I made out with a
girl, and a few more where I thought about what it would be like to date one.
But it just wasn’t me. I never had those types of feelings for a girl. I've always liked boys. Really, really liked boys.
But for some reason, after reading the article and some of the not so nice
comments that were left, I kind of felt ashamed. I felt really disappointed in
humans in yet another aspect of life. I felt that even though I was raised a certain way I love the people in my life. Those in the past, present, and future. Gay, straight,
transgender, undecided. All of them. I have/will have people in my life
for many reasons but mainly because they make me happy regardless of what their
lifestyles may be. Yes, I may not think it’s completely right, but I don’t
judge people for it. It’s their decision. Their life. And who am I to tell
someone how they do/don’t feel? Especially on matters of sexual preference.
That’s intimate and personal. People will love who they love. And I think that’s
what’s important. LOVE.
Currently there is so much hate, and prejudice in this world. I’ve read countless
stories of people and children being bullied, beaten, verbally abused, and some
even taking their own lives because of other people’s close mindedness. People's constant need to condemn someone for something they themselves are not
comfortable with. And not just on this issue either. You would think that by now, people would realize that all of this conflict isn't getting us anywhere. But it takes someone, or some child losing their life to make people sit back and feel a tiny bit of remorse. But
nothing changes. Unfortunately, some of us parents are failing. Some of us might even be behind the entire problem. Fueling the fire. Hate, and discrimination is passed down. Most instances children will grow up and make choices based on what they were taught and/or how they were raised. It's a constant cycle. And until parents start to change how they deal with or approach certain issues
things will never change. There will always be conflict.
Now, from my understanding (which may not be very accurate because I've never
read it), the bible is not too keen on same sex partnerships. This may not seem like a big deal for some, but as a Christian, it's important to me. However, in this same bible there is
a great deal about love, acceptance, tolerance, compassion, and forgiveness. And
I think that’s what people forget about when they go off preaching,
condemning, and judging someone else. I completely understand not agreeing with
certain things. Obviously, I’m pro-life, anti-child abuse, and I wish we could do more for people in other countries. But I also know that in some cases, even
though I may not agree with certain things, it doesn't mean that I have the right to spread HATE or pass JUDGEMENT. In fact, it doesn't give ANYONE the right to do that. What does or does not happen to us once we’re gone from this world is
not up us. So some people need to stop "casting stones". Our job here is
to be love. To show tolerance and compassion.
I'll be the first to admit that this is something that I struggle with (especially with stories like this one and this one), but rest assured that I constantly try to work on it. After reading about these current issues and really thinking about them, I've been left even more sure of my beliefs. Sexual preference and gender do not define a person! So why should we judge them based on that alone? For now, I can only hope and pray that my actions help mold Emery into a kind, loving, and strong woman. I pray every day that I at least get that right. I want to raise her to be open with me. To know that she can talk to me about anything, and I will always be open and truthful with her. I want her to know how we feel and think about certain issues, and why. I refuse to encourage her to discriminate, bully, or look down on anyone that’s different. But most importantly I hope that no matter what, she understands that we should always love people regardless of our differences. Because there’s already way too much hate in this world and I refuse to take part in adding to it.
