When I came out to my
mom, she told me, “I’ve known you were gay since you were two years old. That’s
why I never got you baptized. My parents made me go to church,” she reminisced
with me, “ and I didn’t want you to grow up with a religion that believes who
you are is a sin.”
Sometimes she will say, “I honestly do not know what I
would do it you were straight!” She tells me she loves having a gay son and we
both know why- because she has a diva down the hall who can give her fashion
advice when and when not needed. Often I get the same generic question, “But
how is your dad with it? Does he care?” In response, I counter with, “Well he
has had a gay roommate and he has gay friends. He honestly treats me no
different because it is just who I am.”
In the news, online media and by word of mouth, I have
heard of gay teens getting cut off from their family because of the life they
have “decided” to live. I once briefly dated a boy who told me his parents
ignored the fact he was gay. It was such a shock to me because my mom has
always told me to embrace the person I am. For his parents to ignore this part
of him, it was like they were ignoring he had a face. Both were equally
important parts of his identity. Alas, the worst is teens who are beaten for
who they are. No wonder there have been incidences of suicide, our community
does not feel welcome by ignorant people.
Though we have made much progress in the US same sex
marriage is only legal in 16 states. Yet according to NCSL.org 25 states allow
you to wed your first cousin. Is it asking too much to be given the same rights
as a straight couple? I find it to be unjust for legislators to base these laws
off of a person’s sexual orientation. To with-hold certain abilities because
“it’s against evolution”, “immoral” or because “God says fags burn in hell.” is
no real reason. While all of this may
seem to be fantasy, it is my reality.
Perhaps our lives are full of fabulousness. And when you
think of the word “gay” you get the urge to throw sparkle dust on your tata’s
and shimmy. We have such a fun and supporting community, which most of us are
involved with [e.g. party at the club.] But the reason is is so easy for us to
smile is because we know we have crushed our haters. Dealing with bullies and
communities who do not accept you is difficult. And right now there are 33
states who are denying us the freedom to be who we want to be. My state
included.
