"I'm always shocked that gay marriage is such a big deal. You have to realize how precious human life is, when there are tsunamis and mudslides, when there are armies and terrorists - at any moment, you could be gone, and potentially in the most brutal fashion. And then you have to realize that love is truly one of the most extraordinary things you can experience in your life. To begrudge someone else their love of another person because of gender seems to be absolutely absurd. It's based in fear, fear of the other, fear of what is not like you. But when you are able to see lives on a day-to-day basis, rather than reducing it to politics, then it humanizes a whole community of people that were otherwise invisible." - Jennifer Beals
I found this quote today.
Doesn't it make you nod your head and mutter "uhu" as you read along?
Jennifer Beals is a brilliant woman, so I would expect nothing less from her than a deep, meaningful quote.
As a straight woman (who just happens to play a very believable as well as very beautiful lesbian on tv) She is one of the most heartfelt and supportive people when it comes to this topic.
Today I read some disturbing news.
I was raised in a conservative household, and therefore never looked into the underlying LGBT rules of the colleges and universities I applied to.
I actually never looked into these policies at the university I now attend until a red flag was brought to my attention by my (gay) best friend last year.
Ever since I read the disgustingly conservative student handbook rules surrounding its homophobic beliefs, I have slowly began questioning what kind of institution I want to learn from.
Quote: "University affirms that sexual relationships are designed by God to be expressed solely within a marriage between husband and wife."
It continues on by saying that any sexual relationship outside of the christian tradition, including homosexuality, can be punished with disciplinary action.
This has been circulating in the back of my mind ever since I read the hurtful words.
Every time I see a hetero-couple performing disgusting PDA in the middle of campus (disgusting no matter where on the sexual orientation spectrum you fall)
As I watch them fondle and shove their tongues down each others throats I can't help but think that this is deemed acceptable according to the university standards of moral ethics but if my friend were to hold hands with his lover or a lesbian were to peck kiss her girlfriend goodnight... then they could suffer major consequences.
Its sad.
It wasn't until today that I became very sad and angry as well.
I found out today that for over 5 years students have been trying to establish a Lesbian, Gay and Straight Alliance, but multiple times have been shut down by deans and administration.
The students were finally able to form a club ( just recently) but it has to be unassociated with the university.
This GLEE (Gay, Lesbian and Everybody Else) club has to pay for everything out of pocket, and has to meet in locations off of campus.
The university, my university claim that the only way they will recognize it as a legitimate club is if during each meeting, words are spoken about how homosexuality and sexual relations with those of the same sex are a sin and looked down upon by God... at EVERY meeting.
The students, thankfully, denied this "offer" saying that they personally do not believe it is a sin and therefor do not want to consistently put down the moral, and lifestyle of fellow members.
I have so many words on this topic, my post could continue on and on....
With a simple Google search, the name of my university pops up with hundreds of articles, all describing the homophobia surrounding the institution.
It's not wonder that so many students are closeted.
The words "Don't ask, don't tell" surround the school
I understand it is a private institution, and I understood that coming in
I also understand it is religious, but believed it to be more of a small behind the scenes note rather than everyday throat-jamming session.
I know that they have the power to set up the rules and regulations any way they please, but when looking at these "Christian" words... they seem more hurtful than helpful.
They don't seem very "Christ like" in my opinion
If we are all made in the image of God, heterosexuals as well as homosexuals, doesn't this raise an issue?
If we are to love our neighbors, shouldn't this include those unlike us?
As someone with a personal relationship with God, I believe he made me. He made me without flaws according to his eyes. He made me this way, I did not choose (Why would I choose such a hard path to live?). I believe he loves me.... I can feel it. I have had a relationship with him ever since I was a little girl. I was baptized. I used to go to church and praise him every summer at church camp. I love him. So why would he forsaken me? Just because I love? Why would God, the one who sent his one son to teach the world to love, why would he punish me for my love? Jesus told us to love everyone. He showed us how not to judge. He hung-out with the prostitutes and those outcasts that nobody would be seen with, they were his friends. He loved them all the same. He simply stated all who believe in him will have his eternal kingdom... he didn't say "anybody can come, unless you are gay... then you can't come." I didn't choose this. All I have done in the past year is begin learning who I really am. It has been here my whole life. I can trace it back into my childhood, to the age of 5. It was all pointing here. I didn't choose. It's not a choice. It is only God's choice.
I don't go to church. I don't even know what to call my religion.
I like to think that I simply have a personal relationship with God.... and yes it is rocky, and yes I question it, a lot. But in the end.. the one thing I continue to believe is that there is a God, and that he loves me. Because I can feel it.
So that's what I wanted to say.
That's what I want to scream at the administrators when I see them happily chewing their lunch in the cafeteria.
"Tuna on wheat my ass!"
haha
Well, thats all I wanted to share,
it's something that has been on my heart for quite sometime.
I am still struggling with these ideas, and I am sure I will always, even as an alum.
Peace and love
xoxo
-K
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