Gay is Okay
Being the semi antithesis of political activism, it's been curious to me that I've placed so much of my blog spotlight on the AFA and Fred Phelps' Westboro Church. I'm actually a firm believer that by focusing on anything you draw it to you. So why give them any attention? For traffic? Perhaps it's too much fun to pluck the wings from pests? Maybe I like a full email in box. Nah.
Light always scatters the roaches and must be shone.
I have the necessary tools and life experience to know that what the AFA and Phelps spew is venomous hate that has nothing to do with me or who I am as a person. Their dogma doesn't rightly describe my ethics or value as a human being. I know this completely on every emotional and spiritual level.
However, many who visit Coming Out 101 are at the earliest stages of self discovery and while intellectually they may think this onslaught of hate in the name of God has nothing to do with them, at a deeper core level somehow they buy into this extreme version of the truth. If gay youth had the capacity to restrict outside influence and ideas, their suicide rate wouldn't be four times greater than heterosexual kids.
In theory it is very easy to say the opinions of others matter not, but until someone has enough life experience or an ego filled swaggering brashness, the AFA and Phelps represent a literal death to our children.
We're taught all our lives that our value comes from our jobs, what type of car we drive, where we live and who we marry. Some never get that the only real value comes from within and for others - from within and up. I can't make you feel better or worse about yourself unless you allow it. It is your life long job to bolster yourself against the external white noise in whatever way it shows up. It is of no consequence and has no power until you reach beyond yourself to define who you are.
They don't know you and never will. Don't live your life as if they do.
So here's a little trick we're going to use until you know your worth and feel safe enough to claim it.
Every time we see an AFA member prattle on like this:
Homosexuals are the scourge of America.
I want you to replace the word homosexuals with "we" because they are the scourge of America.
When you see the sign, "God Hates Fags" visualize it as God Hates Hate.
Turn their message around in your mind. A single match will illuminate the darkest of rooms. Shine the light and they will scatter.
Sue is now done with her Sunday Sermon - carry on.
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Posted by Sue at 7/20/2008 7:22 AM 
Categories: Spiritualty, Religion, Idiots, Fred Phelps, Coming Out, AFA
Categories: Spiritualty, Religion, Idiots, Fred Phelps, Coming Out, AFA
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