Monday, March 26, 2007

Letter to the RC Journal

Contrary to recent writers’ insistence, sexual orientation isn’t a moral issue. It isn’t chosen. We can argue about whether or how we should act within those orientations but that’s another issue.

Morality isn’t about who we are or how we’re created, but about our treatment of and respect for others.

Young people who realize they’re gay or lesbian aren’t committing suicide because of sexual activity. Odds are they haven’t engaged in it. Not engaging in sexual activity doesn’t change sexual orientation.

Suicide attempts result from pain inflicted by being condemned for things over which they’ve no control. The self-hatred and self-loathing internalized from outside negative pressures from church and families are what drive kids to try to escape. They fear being rejected by church, family and friends and hate themselves for being “different”.

Some kids try to escape through drugs, alcohol and other high-risk behaviors. Others try suicide.

Condemning people for who they are IS hateful! It forces GLBT kids to either reject God or hate themselves or both. These kids aren’t sex acts. They’re human beings created by God.

Be careful who you hate. It may be someone you love!!

Love, acceptance and courage prevent suicide. Love is God!

Saturday, March 24, 2007

GLBT teen suicide prevention

We applaud recent efforts and discussions at reducing the high rate of teen suicide. It’s a huge problem needing to be addressed seriously with open minds.

However, young gay and lesbian people are sitting in churches hearing preachers tell them they’re evil; or hearing parents spew hatred toward gay people. Do these parents and preachers not understand those comments may be driving someone they love to the edge? Don’t they care? Better dead than gay?

Falsely insisting sexual orientation is chosen dramatically increases risk factors for teen suicide. Bearing false witness kills!

Religious bullying makes organizations, schools and agencies afraid to address the issue and our children are dieing!

Young GLBT people need to know there’s hope and people who love and care about them for who they are; Churches steeped in the Gospel of Love that’ll welcome them; Agencies that won’t condemn or ignore them, their needs or circumstances; Parents who love unconditionally and accept their GLBT children; And a community that’ll accept them for the beautiful people they are.

The Center West, can refer them to those resources and a community that loves them. Call 605-348-3244. E-mail; info@thecenterwest.org. Unconditional love, acceptance and courage prevent suicide. Love is God!!

Friday, March 23, 2007