A Thought to Ponder....

My friend Steve wrote the following journal entry. I think if you are gay out there and wonder about religion...or perhaps you are straight and don't understand how "we" really fell...this will help.

Very well written.

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Its been a little over two years since I finally accepted that I was gay. I had known for quite awhile prior to my senior year in high school, but I never acted on it or embraced it until then. I had always felt that ‘there was no way that I’d turn out that way,’ or that since there was only a 1/10 chance (supposedly) for someone to be gay. I’ve always considered myself lucky, and in a way I am. I had a 90 hance to be a ‘normal’ heterosexual, but fate (and genetics) had another say in that matter.




Once I finally accepted that I was gay, my life changed. I realized that I may have some difficulty living my life fully, I realized that I would face discrimination, ignorance, and would be treated differently as an American in our country’s legal system. Change is on its way, but these reforms are long overdue. However, I understood the risks and benefits, and opted to go forward and become who I was meant to be. Being true to oneself is its own reward.




As I entered this new stage in my life I came to realize what it is like to be victimized, vilified, and misrepresented by our leaders and by those in the media. I find the use of religion as a weapon to be a travesty, there is no reason for these condemnations. The current Pope even gave justification for attacks on homosexuals due to how horrible and depraved we are. Last time I checked it was not the gays who were molesting young boys. Growing up I went to Catholic elementary schools, for the education as opposed to the religious aspect - public schools are not as effective in preparing students for high school as they should be. I began to question the idea of heaven and hell, the need to constantly consider oneself to be a sinner, as well as to fear our creator. I also questioned the sincerity of the established Churches, seeing how they grew both in size and opulence while the faithful did without (take the mega-churches used by televangelists for example). I thought poverty was godly, and while churches in general do donate to the needy and aid the community, a great deal of money is spent in equipping the ministers in Rolex watches and expensive suits. Is not the Church supposed to unite the community in love and fellowship? Why then is it being used to divide homes and condemn those who they perceive to be different?

It seems that as man is not perfect, neither is its institution to represent the divine. I believe the Bible is a collection of stories passed down by people to try and justify their place in the world, as well as provide lessons for future generations. On a side note, Christianity evolved from Judaism, Zoroastrianism, and Mithraism. If you don’t believe me, study the histories. I am not wracked by guilt over this realization, and I know that we each are loved by our god (or gods, whatever one prefers). I know in my heart that I am not perverted or evil, and I have no fear of death. If that weren’t so then there are several times when I could have died, but I haven’t (try drowning in Hanauma Bay). It seems that I have a purpose.




I guess that what I am trying to say is that there is nothing wrong with being gay, it is natural (yes there are gay animals -- there are two female swans in NY city that have paired up, among others). In our hearts we know that we are just as good as anyone else, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. We have nothing to be ashamed of or sorry for. Be who you were meant to be.