It Gets Better

Today, I have truly been inspired. Some people may have seen the commercial sponsored by GoogleChrome about the new website and group of videos sending a positive message to confused young people. There are videos of people in every walk of life letting these young people know that this phase will pass.

http://www.youtube.com/user/googlechrome?v=7skPnJOZYdA&feature=pyv&ad=7478932977&kw=it%20gets%20better

Please take the time to skim through a few videos on the website. Gay, straight, or otherwise, the messages from these people are moving and heartfelt. It is amazing to me to see people of all ages and backgrounds coming together to give strength to the many struggling teenagers today.

So many gay teens are harassed and teased to an extreme.  Recently we heard a story about a young man who committed sucicide simply because he was so severely harrassed by his peers.
This kind of torture can be changed with one simple word: acceptance. Have you ever considered that acceptance could change someone's life? For someone to know they are accepted for who they are, not even necessarily liked or loved, just accepted, their whole vision of life can be altered for the better.

If you feel that you cannot agree with a homosexual lifestyle, at least consider that. Know that your actions could impact a fellow humans life more than you may ever know.

"You shall love your neighbor as yourself" Mark 12:31

Holland, Michigan

Although I've taken about a two month hiatus, I hope my followers are still interested in what I have to say. The transition from the school year to summer has been somewhat hectic but I plan to get back into the blogging scene full-force and continue to spread the word about gay rights.

A friend of mine sent me this link the other day since it applies specifically to me, attending school in Holland.
http://www.mlive.com/opinion/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2011/06/editorial_why_the_holland_city.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+michigan-news+%28Michigan+News%2C+Updates%2C+Photos%2C+Videos+and+Opinions+-+MLive.com%29

Even though it's great that the city is making progress, and I commend them for that, it amazes me that there is so much progress to be made. The fact that sexual orientation and gender identity is not included in the classes protected in the city's human relations and fair housing ordinances and its equal employment policy is astounding to me. We live in a country built on freedom and equal rights. We've fought the battle for woman, handicapped people, people of color, minorities of all types. Now is the time to push forward in the fight for homosexuals looking to be treated with the same respect every American expects to receive.

The portion about religion is very important, especially because Holland is such a religious town. It angers me still that certain religions cannot accept the difference in lifestyle homosexuals lead. However, I supposed this is a case in which governmental issues and issues of the church must be separated.

As for Holland, Michigan, I am proud to attend a school in such a fine city with good morals and welcoming people. The progress being made makes me ecstatic and I am so happy they are following the lead of cities around the country moving to a more open minded and fair way of life.

Kristin Chenoweth

As a performer myself, Kristin Chenoweth has been an idol of mine for several years. Not only is she beautiful and talented, I recently discovered she and I hold some very similar beliefs and morals. This article from Change.org highlights Kristin's struggle in being Christian as well as a promoter of gay rights. I'm aware that I may too face a similar challenge down the road and loved the frankness of this article. I know that I'm not alone now in my beliefs and that there are others out there doing great things to support what I regard.

http://news.change.org/stories/kristin-chenoweth-on-being-christian-and-a-supporter-of-gay-rights

“Is he Gay?”

James, age five, can be found playing with baby dolls and My Little Pony more frequently than G.I. Joes or Hot Wheels cars. His parents know that most little boys would not gravitate toward such toys, but figure it is a stage he will soon grow out of. As the years pass, James’ interest develop more girlish traits as he aspires to take dance lessons and have play dates with only the girls in his class. James’ parents’ friends begin to ask why they have not encouraged their son to try football or soccer. They tell them boys need to have this kind of rough play to become tough and grow up into strong men. Can a child’s parents really determine his masculinity by pushing him to participate in certain activities that society deems “manly?” 

From a very young age, children are conditioned to believe that certain games or toys are only for boys or only for girls. An elementary age boy would most certainly be picked on by his peers if he was found playing “house” with the girls at recess instead of kickball with the boys. Gender identity is clearly recognized by young children as soon as or even before school age. Children first learn to determine themselves as a boy or a girl, soon after recognizing their peers as boys or girls. So what happens when that child decides he or she does not have certain things in common with the same gender? 

The unspoken fear of many parents who have a child like James is, “Is he gay?” Will his interests as a child reflect in his adult lifestyle? Can they change their child’s future before it occurs? 

Studies have shown that yes, the effect of James’ environment could possibly determine his sexual orientation as an adult. His sexuality could be a product of his family interactions as well as social surroundings. Is it possible that if James’ parents had taken away his dolls and replaced them with action figures that his future sexual orientation could be changed? 

A study done by Dr. Cameron at the Family Research Institute of Colorado Springs, Colorado lays out three reasons why homosexual behavior occurs. One reason may be self indulgence and rebellion against society. The second position states that “homosexual behavior is a mental illness, symptomatic of arrested development.” This, many psychoanalysts believe is a product of poor familial relationships as children or some other form of trauma. 

The last viewpoint is that homosexuality is biological. This view says that there is no choice made, that homosexuality occurs as a result of genetics or hormones and no trauma or perverse desire is necessary to cause this type of sexual orientation. Dr. Cameron outlines the notion that the viewpoint most concurrent with his research is that homosexuality is learned. In other words, it is a product of society. 

Trayce Hansen, Ph.D., has the same opinions and results of research as Dr. Cameron. He published an article called, “What Causes Homosexual Desire and Can it be Changed?” that examines societies that advocate homosexual behaviors. This article “finds that societies which endorse homosexual behavior increase the prevalence of homosexuality in those societies.” The studies done on twins in Sweden and Finland help create the most conclusive result because of their genetic similarities. Based on the idea that homosexuality is genetic, both twins should be gay. If one twin is homosexual, the co-twin should be homosexual nearly 100 percent of the time as well. That was not the case in the studies in Sweden and Finland. It was found that when one twin was homosexual the other was homosexual as well about 10 or 11 percent of the time. Studies like these show that homosexuality may not be genetic. 

On the other side of the spectrum, studies have been done to prove that homosexual tendencies start in the brain. Since sexual attraction starts in the brain, many researchers believe this is where homosexual attraction begins as well. Hundreds of studies have been done on the hypothalamus of straight and gay males vs. females. Other studies have been done on the anterior of the brain and the Nuclei of the Anterior Hypothalamus. 

In a study done in 1993, scientists studied families largely consisting of homosexual members. The study proved that most gay members of the family transpired on the maternal side. They then concluded that is a “homosexual gene” passed on from mother to son. 

Researchers also presume that homosexuality may not just be genetic but possibly hormonal. Since gender differentiation occurs in utero, based on hormonal influences, it can be surmised that homosexuality occurs as a result of hormonal differentiation in the womb of those who later display homosexual behaviors. 

So, can we as a society determine the fate of the sexual orientation of our young generations? Or do they hold this trait before they enter our world?

Both sides have valid points, yes, but is it really right to snatch away a child’s inquisitiveness? Whether they chose to be this way, or are born with it, it is their right to explore and discover who they are or the person they may one day be. 

Laurie Essig from The Chornicle writes a similar opinion on the topic which may help display my thoughts: 

http://chronicle.com/blogs/brainstorm/danger-code-pink/34268

Maybe James’ parents should hold off on taking away his baby dolls and foster his aspirations in dance. Should James’ parents encourage their child’s curiosity no matter the man he’ll grow up to become? Or should they snatch away their sons favorite toys as to hinder his true identity? 

Drag Queens and No Judgement

I'm going to refrain from the normally heavy and debated topics I normally stick to and talk about a fun and eye-openeing experience I had a week ago. 

Last Friday, I was lucky enough to suffer the hour and a half wait in line to see the annual MSU Drag Queen Show (At Michigan State University). The idea of a drag queen to me was always pretty undefined. I never really thought about what it would be like to see a man dressed as a woman dancing and performing on stage. The concept was actually humorous to me. 

Walking into a show like this is something I think everyone should experience. It's the only way you can truly grasp the essence of this type of entertainment.  My friends and I were thrilled and shocked all at the same time. 

What struck me most was the confidence of the performers. Who can really say they'd have the guts to get up on stage and strut their stuff, if you will, in front of a huge crowd? Not to mention as the opposite gender. 

Heels and all, queen after queen danced to her song like no one was watching and accepted dollar bills left and right. 

Other than confidence, these drag queens had something else I wish I could constantly possess: an entire lack of judgement. It is obvious that they accept whomever they are around. Not only were the drag queens that way, but the audience members too. Everyone wearing whatever they wanted, dancing, jumping around, singing, and displaying affection in anyway they pleased. I can honestly say that was the one place I've ever been where I felt completely at ease and fully accepted.

Now, that is something to think about when judging the LGBT community. 

Dance 37

Lately, it seems like all corners of my life have been tying into one another, all leading to this blog. I won't explain each in detail but just vaguely. 

I presented a project in my Communications class in which I interviewed a friend of mine who is homosexual. It was called Perspective Taking Project. I talked to my friend about how he feels he is silenced based on his sexual orientation. The project gave me a chance to bring up the subject in my class and people seemed to respond well. 

Also in my Comm. class, we watched a video on a study of the psyche of little boys and the pressures society puts on them in comparison to genetics. 

It's amazing how much society influences young boys. They must be strong, emotionless, physical, and insensitive. It seems to me if they're otherwise, they'll be labeled as "gay" even from a young age. 

It blows my mind that children are taught at a young age that, even if a boy is to act more feminine or be gay, he should be looked down upon. It's like teaching impressionable young kids to be judgmental before they even know what the word means. 

This brings me to my last point. Tonight, I had the pleasure of watching Dance 37, a dance production put on by faculty and students here at Hope. The performance was moving and filled with talent. However, one particular dance piece stood out immensely. 

This piece dealt with the hate crime that took place on campus last year. The dance started out with one word spray painted across a building. 

GAY. 

I'm sure several members of the audience were stunned. I won't drone on about each detail of the dance and I won't put words in the choreographer's mouth but I will give you my take on it. 

At first, I didn't like it. I didn't understand the movement. Then there was this overwhelming portrayal of unacceptance. People walking by, not acknowledging the one girl staring at the word, in clear anguish. Suddenly, the dismissal was replaced by an array of confusion and dishevelment. Paralleling the feelings, I imagine of a homosexual person finding their way in a society sprinkled with judgement. The music got angrier and louder as the girls ran around in chaos with angry faces, pointing, accusing. The end was taken over by a feeling of vulnerability. I was hit with the feelings of a person struggling between coming out and the judgment of others. 

I can only assume this dance could equate to those emotions.

Hope College's Human Sexuality Policy

On Monday night, a discussion was held at Haworth Hotel on Hope's campus. The discussion was open to faculty, staff and students and said to be a panel style discussion of the college's recently updated Position Statement on Human Sexuality.

I didn't catch all the names of the members of the panel but each was lent a hand in updating the policy.

The policy was updated based on a series of petitions created by the organizations Hope is Ready and Holland is Ready (I'm sure they would love it if you visited their blogs or facebook pages to learn more about what they stand for). This uprising of sorts caused the board to consider reviewing the old policy that was established in 1995.

The discussion was set up as follows: The panel was asked three formal questions and each given three minutes to answer. As this was happening, audience members had the opportunity to submit their personal questions to be possibly answered at the end of the formal question portion.

I won't discuss every panel member's answer (I could not possibly take notes that fast), yet talk about the points that stood out to me.

The panel was first asked what they supported and what made them uncomfortable about the policy. Basically their uncensored opinions of it. Dr. James Harrick had a lengthy, yet informative speech prepared for this question. Because of it's length, I got somewhat lost in his words but he did say one thing that stuck with me: "What one sentence gives, another takes away and I am uncomfortable with that." -- Harrick

With the same question, Dr. David Myers, a huge supporter of gay rights here at Hope and wonderful author of books on the topic, gave his general opinion creating a great analogy, "It feels a little bit like a forced smile." What I found most interesting about Myers' answer to this question was that he said little to nothing about what he supported about the policy, and spent most of his three minutes eloquently stating the parts of it which made him "uncomfortable." Within his answer, Myers read an email he had received from someone in the Holland community. I loved what this person had to say.

He or she explained that for LGBT people, sexuality has become their identity. For straight people it is just something they "do." I couldn't agree more, anonymous emailer. This is something that had never been pointed out to me before and really hit me hard. That is a great notion to ponder. Has society labeled homosexuals as purely sexual creatures? Sexuality is just a part of their life, as it is with straight people, it is not their whole life. This person also criticized the policy saying it states we respect them but do not support their love; essentially delegitimizing their love, then turning around and saying we respect it, nonetheless. Something about that seems wrong to me too.

Another point that struck me, again, brought up again by Myers:

NEUTRALITY.

Now there's a word for the people behind our policy to consider. Hope College has a Neutrality Mandate in it's handbook. Am I wrong in saying neutrality means not taking one side or the other? This policy forces us to take sides, dividing the college at a time when we should be moving forward and coming together to create bright future.

The last point I will make which I opened my eyes to after attending the discussion is based on our number of students at Hope. Our incoming classes are shrinking. It has been said that the college could very possibly be losing students over its statements about sexuality. Dr. Myers said, support for gay rights is growing in this country, hence creating a huge generational gap.

Culture is changing... So must we.

The Laramie Project

I had the privilege of going to Howell High School in Howell, MI to see a production put on by students called The Laramie Project. The show is made up of interviews and backgrounds of the story of Matthew Shepard's death and the toll it took on Laramie, Wyoming. Picketers from Westboro Church were reported to attend and protest but unfortunately did not show up. However, people opposing Westboro showed up in full force. 

Let me start of by talking about the show itself. It moved me. I'm sure just about every member of the audience was moved to tears at one point or another. It documented the exact happenings of the case, where Matthew was found, how he lived for a few days in the hospital, the police officer who first came to the site. It also outlined the trial of both accused assaulters. This is a show I would recommend to anyone and everyone, no matter your believes. It may just strike you as it did me. 

Like I said, I was disappointed that no one from Westboro came to Howell. It would've been very, very interesting to speak with some of them and at the least see their signs. Some of their opposers who were there supporting gay rights and gay marriage claimed maybe the weather scared them off. I don't see any reason not to believe this is true, which I find makes them seem pretty weak. As far as these Westboro protestors go, as much as I disagree with their strong message of hate, it takes all I've got not to feel that way about them. 

As I came to Howell High campus, I was greeted by a mass of protesters carrying signs with varying phrases. Their main banner read "Standing on the Side of Love." 

Other signs said things like, "God loves gays", "It's not about tolerance, it's about acceptance", and "God makes no mistakes."

Those were just a few of many messages the protesters conveyed. There were a few more racy signs I'll chose not to disclose, however, they were very powerful. 

There were a couple of people that stood out to me who I spoke with. I saw a lone man with a long white beard carrying an american flag and a sign that said "NAM VET FOR AMERICA!" This sparked my interest since he seemed to be quite different from the large group of picketers gathering maybe 100 yards away. The man was quite cold toward me and refrained from looking me in the eye. He simply told me he is absolutely not affiliated with the church that attended and did not support their beliefs. He said "I'm in my own little world here, just trying to fight for the troops." He said the only reason he came out that day was to show his patriotism and how much he was against Westboro's actions at military funerals. The look in the man's eye was painful. You could clearly see how strongly he felt about the matter. 

After that, I spoke to a few people involved with the church. All of them were extremely passionate, yelling about peace and love and waving to every passing car. This made it pretty difficult to speak to anyone in particular but I did get a good sense of how the group felt overall. 

Passion was the only word that came to mind. Also, love. 

As I was leaving the site of the protest, I happened to run into two young men carrying signs but looking pretty timid about the whole situation, very unlike the rest of the people I'd encountered. They were in there mid-20s, just out of the Army. They were out there for the same reason the old man was but had a different perspective. They said they were appalled by Westboro's actions. They said it made them sick to see people acting this way. They said how could these people take a stab at something they know nothing about. They aren't over seas for years on end fighting to live and protect their country. The one thing these men said that stuck with me most was, how could Westboro be protesting the death of a man or woman who fought to give them the very right to protest. Sounds like the ultimate irony to me. 

Overall, this experience moved me and opened my eyes to the passion people have out there. It makes it obvious to me that I am not alone. It gives me strength to keep fighting for what I believe and prove that God is love and he loves all whom he created, gay or straight. 

Matthew Shepard

Some of you may have heard this name before. I hadn't before I did some digging. 

The story of Matthew Shepard is one to be remembered. 

A young man in the prime of his life was brutally murdered based on his sexuality. 

Here is an article written the day of his death in 1998. 

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F04E7DB173AF930A25753C1A96E958260

The beating and killing of Shepard created an uproar, as stated in the article. It was said that it resembled a crucifixion which I find highly ironic. 

I'm not sure of the policies now but at the time of the murder, 19 states did not include sexual orientation in their hate crime laws. That is outrageous. 

Matthew Shepard's story changed a lot around the country. People banned together. 

A foundation was created by Matthew's parents in honor of their son and his aspirations. In the story of the Foundation on it's website you can find the background on Matthew's murder as well as the reasons for starting the Foundation. The Foundation seeks to “Replace Hate with Understanding, Compassion & Acceptance.”

http://www.matthewshepard.org/our-story

My reason for bringing up something that may seem to only have affected our nation over a decade ago is because there is still major talk of it today. After his death, there was a play created about his story called The Laramie Project. 

Tomorrow night a town near my hometown called Howell, MI is putting on The Laramie Project. I plan to attend, obviously. Now the interesting part is that members from the Westboro Baptist Church apparently plan on being there to protest the performance. I imagine this will make for some interesting conversation. 

I will make sure to fully report what I find out and who I talk to.

Kind and Fair?

I want people to hear what I've got to say.. Whether they agree or not.

As a pro gay-rights student on Hope College's campus, there are certainly opinions that get my blood boiling floating around the social network here. Many of you know about Hope's policy on homosexuality. Passed in 1995, the policy states that Hope will not support gay groups or gay advocacy, however, we shall treat kindly persons who determine their sexuality as homosexual.

Here, the Huffington Post discusses the challenges against the policy back in 2009:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/10/hope-college-gay-policy-c_n_569729.html

Take the policy for what you will, but I can't understand how a college could "support fair and kind treatment for people with a homosexual orientation" yet claim that gay advocacy is wrong.

No one can disagree that the very definition of kindness, and mainly fairness is to allow someone you may not fully understand to voice their opinions. Even if you disagree, being fair is giving them full opportunity to freely express themselves. Ponder the idea that by telling these people, ones who live a homosexual lifestyle they cannot be who they truly are is cruel. You can say whatever you like in writing, however, as a gay-rights activist, I cannot grasp the fact that hindering free expression is "kind and fair."

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs."

Pro Gay Rights. This phrase, to many, is loaded. Some may see this phrase and immediately think "Yeah, I'm all for that." Some may be scared away by this thinking, "I'm straight. I don't want to say I'm for gay-rights and have others think I'm gay." However, do they really know what they're saying?

I'm here to affirm that I have done my observing, researching, and pondering enough to know exactly what I stand for. I could go on for pages about what I believe or why I believe what I do, but that would be unnecessary. 

Bottom line: Love who you want to love. Feel what you want to feel. And express that love to whomever you are drawn to, male or female. Just because I'm straight, doesn't mean I don't believe in love, love of all kinds, gay, straight, or otherwise. 

On Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, "Social Needs" rank number three. It's been proven over and over that humans desire companionship. We desire adoration. We desire mutual respect. We desire love. Who are we to deny fellow humans of this basic need?

Opposing Views

I was taught from a very young age that to fully understand a subject, you must learn all viewpoints of the topic. Putting yourself in someone else's shoes, perhaps. 

Gay-rights and gay marriage is no exception.

As much as I expect people reading this blog and whomever I come in contact with in my life to understand how I feel, I must expect the same of myself. I have not set out to be a hypocrite. 

So, to fulfill my goal of expressing why homosexuals should have equal rights, I have been doing my homework. 

http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/016/533narty.asp

I read this article at least four times. Why? Because I want to really get what this person is trying to say. I went into being open and unbiased and it did help me see why this person feels the way they do. I think they made some legitimate points about how a homosexual doing a job is different from a same-sex marriage. 

However, I have my own take on how this article was composed as well as the content. 

The first part that struck me was the first sentence in the second paragraph. I can't agree with the idea "that the fundamental objection to gay marriage among most who oppose it has very little to do with one's feelings about the nature of homosexuality or what the Bible has to say about sodomy." From what I've researched and seen is that most people do object to homosexuality because of their belief system. At least at this point, I haven't heard any other reason. 

Along with the composition of the article, I think the author did a poor job of getting to the point. Why, again, is marriage between two men or two women different from marriage between a man and a woman? I didn't see a clear-cut statement to back up the claims the author makes. 

Lastly, I am confused about the statements made about marriage being romantic. Now, maybe I misinterpreted, but I don't see any legitimate reasons why same-sex marriage can't be romantic. Love is meant to be romantic. 

The idea that same-sex marriage doesn't have the sense of kinship like a conventional marriage seems off to me as well. Gay men or lesbian woman are just as capable as adopting or selecting a surrogate mother, or what ever other means of creating a family that they choose. Kinship may not be obtained in the same way as it has in the past with traditional marriage between a man and a woman but it is certainly possible and done often. 

Young, straight, Christian gay-rights activist

My name is Elizabeth. This is my first introduction into the world of blogging. Though I'm new, I've got a lot to say. My purpose is to educate and inform, as well as get my opinion across. As stated in the title, I am pro gay-rights. What may seem baffling to some is that I am also a Christian. Not only that, I am attending a Christian college: Hope College of Holland, Michigan.


And on top of everything, I'm straight.


A young, straight, Christian gay-rights activist. I like the sound of that. 


I'll be varying my styles and specific topics of my entries. Some will be purely opinion, some purely fact. I might post a link to an article and lay out my reactions to said article. I might also do anonymous interviews. 

I'm open to suggestion. I'm here to start dialogue and discussion. Feel free to share.