I am troubled.
I am troubled about the negativity that continues to be directed at our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) friends. Yes, friends. They live and work in our communities, organizations and neighborhoods. Add to it the bizarre decision by this organization and it seems we are openly attacking innocent people based simply on their sexual orientation. Since when is it okay in a civilized society to attack innocent people? I am aware that bigotry and ignorance exist, but it is disappointing to me that governments and organizations in the “modern” world would actually move ahead in such a mean-spirited way against other human beings. This my friends is totally unacceptable.
One Nation Under God…Really?
To further complicate matters, some of these folks actually attempt to use religion, primarily Christianity, as the rationale for their position. The reality is that the teachings of Christianity, other major faiths, and the tenets of human decency regardless of one’s faith perspective, are about as far away from these hate-inspired and homophobic attitudes as one could imagine. Families today are made up of many diverse situations, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t loving families. I wonder if Rick Santorum would refuse life-saving treatment from a gay physician who was married to another gay person? I bet his perspective might shift just a bit in that moment, don’t you?
Make A Choice
So with all this venom flying around us we are faced with quite a dilemma. What does one do about all of this “unReligious” inspired hate? Well, I for one am no longer comfortable sitting idly by and letting the racists and fear mongers control the message. Leaders of people, ALL people, do not see color, or age, or orientation…they see people. So the next time a person, or organization, or State allows a few voices to rally the masses to take shameful action in the name of “what’s right” remember these words from Martin Niemöller:
When the Nazis came for the communists,
I remained silent;
I was not a communist.
When they locked up the social democrats,
I remained silent;
I was not a social democrat.
When they came for the trade unionists,
I did not speak out;
I was not a trade unionist.
When they came for the Jews,
I remained silent;
I wasn’t a Jew.
When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out.
How About You
What are you going to do the next time you hear an innocent person being attacked simply because they are gay or lesbian? Are you going to remain silent so as to avoid confrontation; or, will you step up and show everyone around you that you are a leader. Do not allow yourself to become mesmerized by the flames of ignorance…while you’re watching someone else is feeling the burn.
I’d love to hear from you.
No Excuses.
pic courtesy of politicalmonkey2010
