AN: I think the real reason I started this story in the first place is because I wanted to rant on this topic since I saw the promo for Thursday's episode. So here's my rant.
Kat's Kolumn: Homophobia
Definition: Negative attitudes or actions toward homosexuality or people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.
There are two types of homophobes: the narrow-minded bullying type, and the religious type. Both have one thing in common, though; they both think homosexuality is wrong and to be hated.
First, there are the bullying, narrow-minded people. These people believe that anyone who is different from them is deserving of shunning. The truth is, we are all different, and there's no reason for anyone to think otherwise. I think that people are mostly against homosexuality because they are afraid of them. They don't know what to expect; they're not sure if a gay person might get the wrong idea and start flirting with them. The truth is, though, that if a gay person knows another is straight, they won't come onto them.
People are under the impression that just because an individual is gay, they automatically grow feelings for every member of their same gender. As a bisexual individual myself, I've had people tell me they believe I develop feelings for every person I see. I ask this of the straight boys in school: Do you grow attracted to every girl you see? And as for the straight girls, do you like every boy you see? There is no difference for LGBT teens, except for the gender they might grow a crush on.
I used to be friends with the sweetest girl ever, who would never be intentionally mean to anyone who didn't deserve it, and even if they did, she would refrain from being mean. I never thought she'd be the homophobic type until her FaceRange status told me otherwise: "Kraft has come out today in support of gay rights. For those of us who are against this because of religious or personal reasons, hit them where it hurts the most: boycott their food." My reply of, "You have just made an enemy in me" sparked the retort, "Kat, I'm a Christian, so of course I'm against it." Stereotype alert! She then continued to say "You can't be both God follower and follower of this sinful world. If you're lukewarm, God will spit you out." So if someone is gay or supports gay rights, they're going to hell, even if they're a Christian? Let me tell you why this is not right.
This friend of mine quoted the bible, and I'm not going to argue with the part that says that God made man for woman and vice versa, but I am going to disagree with its premise. It's saying that marriage should be between one man and one woman only. So if two men get married, it's sinful. But what if a man is married to two women at different times in his life? Is that sinful too? My best friend is in one of these families, where both parents were married to someone else before coming to where they are now, bringing along their sons to become step-siblings. Divorce and remarriage is almost more common in our nation than a couple staying together, but it is widely accepted, and people actually go to help the people get over the loss of a parent to this wicked, sinful thing called divorce. Yet for some reason, when it's not a divorce but simply a homosexual couple we are talking about, the opposite effect is rendered. People shame them.
How many people came out as gay when the bible was written? My guess, absolutely no one. It wasn't heard of, it was just considered as something that would be wrong. Maybe these people would be Satan worshippers too, or worse, devil spawn. Maybe they'd be practicing witchcraft in the dark of their homes, or sacrificing animals. But no one predicted they'd just be regular people like you or me. Times have changed. I'm not going against the bible; I'm just adding my opinion.
Another opinion I have, and maybe this one is completely off the mark, is the idea that God created all. Now, does that mean he created everything zillions of years ago and let everything go on their own, or do you think He has a hand in what happens in our daily lives? I believe He is still watching over us and helping things along. He has a hand in creating things that go on today. So, if this is true, why would He create homosexuals just to hate them? Target practice, maybe?
God loves all. That is one thing all Christians have in common; the notion that as a Christian we should love all. So why are we excluding LGBT teens in that notion? It is the narrow-mindedness in this that gives Christians everywhere a bad name. And people think I'm cruel.
Altogether, homosexuality isn't a sin; homophobia, however, should be.
Until next time, this is Kat Jenson, writing off.
o.O.o
Becky: You wrote about me in your stupid column!
Kat: No, I wrote about homophobes in general. It's not my fault you fit that category.
Becky: No! The part about the FaceRange conversation.
Kat: Becky, hun, when have I ever had a FaceRange conversation with you? That actually happened to me with someone who used to be my friend. However, I will admit to writing this because of your unsupportiveness to our play director's views.
Becky: I can't support a play like that! It teaches people to be sinners, to be...to be...gay!
Kat: Actually, it teaches people that it's okay to be gay, or lesbian, or bi, or trans, if they are.
Becky: But it's wrong and sinful!
Kat: Says you. But everyone else thinks that the idea was a work of genius by our Eli. And you don't have to support the play.
Becky: Says the bible!
Kat: Did you even read the column?
Becky: Look. I have my beliefs, and if you're just going to shut them down, don't bother with me.
Kat does not respond.
