Equality, Love & Religion.

Now because I know this can be a touchy subject I would like to start off with the fact that this is purely my opinion, I am not attacking anyone. My intention is never to offend or hurt anyone. This post is simply expressing my feeling on this subject and some things that I have seen since the passing of this bill.


First, I am so happy for the LGBT community! #LoveWins


Second, I am SO disappointed that during Pride weekend some people decided to mock religions. By stringing themselves up on a cross, among other things. I feel ashamed to be grouped in with "the gays" who preformed these acts. I feel hurt that anyone would lash out (religious or not) at the LGBT community in a whole for some people that may or may not be religious in the first place & their actions.

It feels horrible to feel like you are hated because of the actions of others. I do not judge people on the actions of other people. I do not think that "straight people" who do not agree with equality are bigots or intolerant. I fully understand what the bible says. What Gods word is. I fully understand that my judgment day will come. & I do not by any means blame, hate or judge people who have a different belief.

My wife's family is quite religious. When we first got together, some of her family regularly reminded her that she would be going to hell. & that they will be praying for her to repent her sins, essentially "come back to the straight side". Her mother & father did not speak to me, the first Thanksgiving I was invited to I sat on the couch while the rest of the family was at the table. Not one of her immediate family came to our wedding... But I LOVE her family fiercely. I would do anything for them, I love everyone of my nieces and nephews. The sisters and brothers I have gained, the cousins, aunties and uncles. Everyone of them are kind hearted and loving.
That was 3 years ago. Now however, I am accepted even though our marriage is not. I am loved & welcomed by the family, even though our love is not. & I cannot hate them for this, I cannot judge or resent them. This is their belief. This is their everything, God is their everything & their belief in his word is unwavering. For this I admire them, for this I do not judge, but I learn & I love regardless.

But it truly hurts to read posts and other things from family and friends on Facebook about "Gay people" attacking "Straight people" for their opinions. A lot of people do not stop and think that maybe what they are saying is hurtful? Like maybe.. grouping "Gay people" in with drug addicts, murderers and non believers. It makes you think... Do they really think that by me loving my wife I am just as bad as a drug addict or murderer?.., But most of the time they do not think before they speak. They are not the one on the stage being ridiculed, judged or denied the same rights as others. Or they make comments like "well why do they get a parade? why cant us straight people get a parade too." ... Do you not think. why is there a "Gay Pride Parade"? It was not to divide us or separate us from "straight people" it was to FIGHT for the same rights, it was to RAISE awareness, it was to help us COME TOGETHER to support & love. "Straight people" did not have to FIGHT for the same rights in their marriages as other marriages.


We fight for the same rights, the same treatment, the same love.


I agree with the statement "If love wins, let hate go." Although some people need to understand that its not as simple as letting go, it will not happen over night. For mothers, fathers, grandparents, brothers and sisters that have lost someone to suicide from "gay bashing" or  bullying, to hate crimes & murders of transgender & gay people. From the ones who have experienced that full on Hatred from someone for just being who you are, the ones who were denied jobs, service, acceptance or just simply love because they cannot help who they love... its not as simple as letting love win and letting hate go, for some people that hate is all they have because they never knew the love..


Life is a work in progress and I hope and pray that one day we will all be able to just let the hate go & let the love in. I hope that "Gay marriage & Straight marriage" will just be Marriage. I hope that one day people can not be so hurtful, that "Gay people and straight people" become just people and that love will be just that, love.


Thanks for reading, feel free to leave any comments or suggestions.
Please no negativity as I stated at the top, these are just my opinions and feelings.