Actions and Words

Some of you may be tired of hearing me speak about things that I think matter, and that is okay. I get it.  A Facebook friend made mention of LGBTites-In your face LGBT advocates. I think this person may have been referring to me. I can't be sure, but my guess is yes. And that is okay, I own it.

I think some of my friends feel that they can't speak up regarding their views regarding  same sex marriage and  homosexuality.  They may feel judged, and misunderstood. They want to be seen as someone who can disagree without being accused of being bigoted.  They may feel that LGBT lifestyle is being thrown in their face,  and that offends them. 

So I want to say, I hear your words. I feel your discomfort.  I know it is difficult to make room at the table, that has been primarily your own.  I also want to share what has been heard, even when you may have remained silent.

When Gay men were sent to mental hospitals to be castrated and given ice pick lobotomies through 1950-1970's , views were heard and felt through actions, loud and clear

When Gay men were told they could pray-the-gay-away- and subjected themselves to reparative therapy, that at times consisted of electroshock to the testicles and psychological rape.  Views were heard and felt through words and actions loud and clear

When a family disowned someone for their sexual orientation, views are  heard and felt through actions loud and clear.

When a same-sex partner is denied the right to be with, or make decisions for their life partner during a health crisis, views are  heard and felt through actions loud and clear.

When LGBT parents have no legal right to  their children, views are  heard and felt through actions loud and clear.

When same-sex partners, couples, families are considered "counterfeit",  views are  heard and felt through actions loud and clear

When LGBT people are bullied, beaten, and sometimes killed,  views are heard and felt through actions loud and clear.

When jobs are lost, and eviction notices posted on their door because of their sexual orientation,  views are  heard and felt through words and actions loud and clear.

When LGBT people hear condemnation on the pulpit and are kicked out of their religious home, views are  heard and felt through actions loud and clear.

 When LGBT youth consist of 10% of the population but makeup 20-40% of the homeless youth,  views are  heard and felt through actions loud and clear.

When LGBT youth are psychologically, and physically abused through conversion therapy, views are  heard and felt through actions loud and clear.

When I hear someone say,  they love and accept LGBT people, friends, and family, but you don't agree or accept their "Lifestyle". I want to know what does that kind of love and acceptance look like  through actions and words? How do they hear it? Is it the same words and  actions they have heard for decades?

What more needs to be said so that you feel heard?