Stand for Silence

"Love one another as I have loved you."

• What follows is a chat I had with a few Roman Catholics yesterday. Their names have been changed for the sake of anonymity. The chat took an interestingly person turn, as usual.
• John: Its okay to be gay, but the Holy marriage should be just for normal couples.
• Me: ‎"Normal couples"? Who or what defines "normal"? If God makes someone gay, did God make them "abnormal"? Read my "Thou Shall Not Love" post which covers homosexuality in the Bible.
• John: Who said that god makes them gay? Maybe its the Devil or maybe its just a handicap, the Bible says clear things about gays.
• Me: Actually, no, it doesn't. Read the post I linked you to. Until you do, and can argue against it, you have no argument. And since when can the Devil create? I always thought God was the only Creator. I'd love to see the "Bible" you read.
• Sarah: There is not one shred of biological evidence that someone is "made" homosexual. Up until the 1980's it was still considered a mental illness.
• Me: Sarah, up until the early 20th century, and even later, black people weren't considered "humans". For a time, you, a woman, would have been considered inferior and unable to have equal rights under the law. That argument is ridiculous. Thank God that times change and that psychological experts and people far more educated than either of us can affirm homosexuality is absolutely not a disease or a disorder.
• Sarah: Oh, come on! You're not really a Bishop. You're not a member of the only true Catholic Church! Science says nothing about homosexuals, and the Bible says it's evil!
• Me: Science says God made gays. Neurology demonstrates substantial differences between the brain functions of heterosexual and homosexual males. Reproductive science has supposed that a higher concentration of female hormones in the womb may be what causes a higher risk of homosexuality in children born as second, third, or even fourth children. The fact is that science clearly demonstrates that homosexuality is NOT a choice (and anyone who says it is clearly had an easy life or doesn't relate; would you choose to be beaten, tortured, oppressed, and even killed?). No one would choose such a life. Science demonstrates the creative will of God.
• Richard: We need to clarify something here. Supposing that "homosexual", "gay", and "same-sex attracted" are the same and can be used interchangeably is irresponsible. Human beings are not defined by their sexual attractions. Same-sex attraction is a psychological disorder, but the one who possesses it is no less human for it and no more deserving or mockery or condemnation. Each of us is disordered in one respect or another; it's called fallen human nature. Blaming God, or even the devil, for human infirmities is just so much superstition.
• Me: Richard, unless you're a medical doctor with a degree in psychology, who is licensed to make diagnoses of mental disorders, and is supported by peers and peer-reviewed scientific content, you have absolutely no right to say, "Homosexuality is a psychological disorder." Those who do fit those qualifications would sharply disagree with any such ignorance.
• John: I didn't mean to say that Satan is a Creator.
• Me: If science demonstrates the substantial development of homosexual orientation during the gestational period, any suggestion that "the Devil did it" supposes that Satan is a Creator. Dangerous waters, those are. God alone creates and designs people, and God alone is responsible for homosexuality, in much the same way he is responsible for vaginas and uteruses or black skin.
• Sarah: Homosexuality is a sin! It is evil! The Bible says so and the Church agrees.
• Me: Sarah, unless you read my post above and can argue against it, you have no argument. The Bible is absolutely and unequivocally silent on the issue of homosexuality - and do you want to know the truth? There are thousands of homosexuals in the Roman Catholic priesthood, thousands of whom are not celibate. I have known and heard of several.
• Richard: Does it stand to reason that if someone is same-sex attracted then they were "born that way" or that "God did it"? The modern consensus among psychologists that homosexuality is not a disorder is not based on hard science but on moral philosophy.
• Me: It stands to reason as long as a heterosexual can claim to be born that way, yes - especially if science can demonstrate such a reality. And regarding psychology, you're entitled to your opinions as a non-expert onlooker. But let's leave the actual decisions on such matters to those who are experts and do have an educated and reasonable opinion that is supported by equally qualified peers.
• Joseph: Did anyone actually read the marriage equality laws? You won't be forced into a same-sex marriage against your will! The proposed legislation will only affect homosexuals!
• Me: Joseph, exactly. The only way homosexuality can threaten same-sex marriage is if a man cheats on his wife with another man.
• Sarah: You're wrong, James. The Pope says...
• Me: Sarah, the Pope is wrong.
• Richard: We need to be careful not to use the word "gay." Adopting a "gay" identity won't help those who suffer from same-sex attraction.
• Me: Richard, no one suffers from same-sex attraction unless they're subjected to the uneducated and anti-Christian babble on the subject as published in the Roman Catechism or other ignorant and backward content on the subject. Only those who are ignorant of sexuality cause others to suffer for it. No one would if the Church would actually learn and evolve. God willing, it will.
• Sam: Bishop James, you rock!
• John: In what Church are you a Bishop?
• Sarah: He isn't a true Bishop.
• Me: Jesus says I'm a true Bishop, but thanks for your opinion. It's been noted.
• Richard: James, you aren't thinking rationally.
• Me: Oh, Richard, that's rich.
• John: I know what the Bible says about homosexuality so what do you want me to tell you? Stop calling you an Bishop if you're not.
• Me: John, I covered the Bible in that link. I swear...Here, I'll clear it up. Genesis 19 and Judges 19 reflect that Sodom was destroyed for inhospitality and rape, NOT homosexuality. Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 discussed the gender-swapping idolatrous prostitution between men and boys, who represented the Baalim (male gods) and Baalot (female gods) respectfully. 1 Corinthians 6:9, in the Greek language, is a restatement of Leviticus, and Romans 1:27 covered idolatrous orgies and lust, not love. No word in the Bible about loving, committed, responsible, and consensual homosexual unions. It's silent so should the Church be.
• Sarah: You must not have read the bible James.....how can you be so blind?!
• Me: I have, Sarah. In English, Greek, and Hebrew. Have you?
• John: Leviticus 18:22 - "Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable."
• Me: Good, you know the English. Now go into the Hebrew and tell me what the word "et" means.
• Richard: James, you're exegesis is sloppy and amateurish. The Church doesn't base her teachings on the scriptures.
• Me: Really? She thinks she does! "Basing itself on Sacred Scripture, which presents homosexual acts as acts of grave depravity, tradition has always declared that “homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered." "BASING ITSELF on Sacred Scripture..."
• Richard: I refuse to address as "bishop" some arrogant upstart playing ecclesiastical drag.
• And there you have it. I am apparently an "arrogant upstart" in "ecclesiastical drag"! Who knew?

Remember Respect

recordedforposterity:

I would like to start something. I want to start a campaign. I want to teach the world about respect again.

I just read an article about a 10-year old girl who killed herself because of bullying. Ten years old, and she saw nothing left to live for in life.

I remember being ten. I remember being the awkward kid in the corner of the class, the one who didn’t get invited to people’s houses for sleepovers and liked playing with boys more than girls. I remember when it sucked. What I don’t remember is a single moment when I felt compelled to kill myself because they were that horrible.

What has changed? What about the environments that we have in this world have made 10 year olds so hostile to one another, pushing their peers to kill themselves?

We continue to attempt to combat bullying, but look around you. What is it doing? According to ASPCC (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children), 30% of children are involved in bullying, whether they be the victim or the abuser, 1 in 4 children are bullied every month, and at least 43% of children have threatened to harm another student. Adults are free to spout “kids will be kids” as much as they want, but that brings me to the main point.

Parents. 

I believe that my pares are wonderful human beings who have taught me many things. They taught me how to walk and talk. They taught me how to feed and dress myself. They taught me how to say please, thank you, and I’m sorry. My parents are the type of people that if my siblings and I disrespect them in any way, we know it, and it will not be a happy time, but in turn, they also taught us how to treat other people with respect. If my mother ever heard that I was rude to a kid, that I stole their crayons or laughed at them inappropriately or kicked them on the playground, you can bet that I got told off, got grounded, and was forced to apologize to whoever I hurt.

All parents are not like this. You may think your mother is an Angel, that your dad was your superhero, but you may just be the lucky ones. Think about it; did they teach you to respect others, or just them?

A few weeks ago, at my 9 year old sister’s elementary school, there was a basketball game. You would think that it’s just a simple basketball game, yes? The kids play hard and have fun, the parents stand on the sidelines and cheer, the coaches yell every now and then, but it’s overall a good time. Now I know you’re expecting a problem in all of this, and you would be right. My sister’s school is filled with wonderful people, teachers who love and care about their students, and who, most of all, teach them respect. At the basketball game, this showed. The Home team played fair and hard and didn’t create problems. They knew that they were the hosts of this game and they had to create a good environment. 

It seems this was not the case with the other school. The other kids pushed and shoved and claimed the Home school was cheating. After the game ended, they refused to shake hands. The coaches of the Away team didn’t do a single thing to fix it. And what’s worse? 

One of the coaches from the Away team physically threw a Home student out of his way. I am not aware if any disciplinary action was taken against the teacher as well. 

I love my sister’s school for the way they treat not only their students, but all students and parents and teachers. They are all amazing people. I cannot speak for the rest of the school district, however. God knows at my middle and high schools (in the same district), that was certainly a policy, but they never really implemented anything with it. They just told us “Our motto is Respect” and that was it. And because you’re kids, you don’t care.

As a parent, a teacher, a coach, a position of authority, an adult, it is your duty to take care of the future generation. That does not just mean feeding them and putting a roof over their heads. What it means is that you need to not only take care of them directly, but make sure they know how to take care of each other. That is something we are sorely lacking in this world. You see it every day, not just in schools, but as soon as you turn on the TV, you see everyone slandering and attacking everyone else. The respect and caring for the fellow humans in this world  is decreasing by the day, and nobody is doing anything to stop it.

I want to. Let’s get started, people. Let’s teach the world again what it’s like to respect other human beings. I don’t want to just teach the children. I want to teach the adults. I want to be able to go out in public, to watch the news, without being afraid that I’ll see nothing more than idiocy, ignorance, and bashing of other people just to make themselves look better.

Let’s remember what it’s like to respect the human race.

50,000 notes and I won’t kill myself in the next 42 hours.

weareforeverscarred:

REBLOG THIS!!!

My LGBT Unpopular Opinion

It was a choice for me.

If I’m gonna do this, I may as well start bluntly. And before you go running away and going “This bitch is crazy,” listen to my reasoning.

First off, I’m going to say that I don’t believe it’s a choice for everyone. I believe that some people are truly born gay or straight or bisexual or pansexual or asexual or aromantic or trans whatever else is in the spectrum of LGBTQ. I do believe that is a very real possibility for a good majority of people.

Let me also say this. I do, in fact, identify as a bisexual. Hell, I have a wonderful, beautiful, amazing, strong, fantastic girlfriend. That is what I identify with…now.

Read More

gaywrites:

Phillip Parker, a 14-year-old from Tennessee, took his own life on Friday after relentless bullying because he was gay. His family had reported incidents of bullying to the school, but nothing happened. 

Added grandfather Paul Harris: “Because he was gay, he got mistreated physically, mentally by several people out there at the school, and I am very resentful as a result of it. After he did what he did, we found out a lot that we didn’t know and there is a lot of bullying that goes on at the school.”

Tennessee, by the way, has taken some of the most controversial actions in terms of LGBT issues recently. Most famously, the “Don’t Say Gay” bill banning discussions of homosexuality in school is gaining momentum, and lawmakers are trying to change an anti-bullying law to exempt “condemnations of homosexuality based on religion.”

My heart is broken. These tragic stories are piling up again and we need the world to notice. Tell your friends about this. Make them understand why we need to take action against bullying. Get angry. Get emotional. Contact Tennessee lawmakers. Do something. If we don’t speak up, no one will.

Most importantly, if you need help, please call the Trevor Project lifeline at 1-866-488-7386, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You are important. You can get through this. We are here to help you.

Rest peacefully, Phillip. I’m so sorry we couldn’t help you in time. 

gaywrites:

This week, GLSEN is sponsoring No-Name Calling Week, a week dedicated to raising awareness about bullying in schools and finding constructive solutions to problems among and between kids. 

The site linked above has tons of information about what this week means and what you can do to get involved. An especially cool link discusses how to get a NNCW event off the ground at your school, including tips on involving administration and students. 

Sometimes it seems like there are a lot of planned days, weeks or even months that demand our attention for a particular cause, and it gets overwhelming (not to mention how you should never name-call). Pay attention to this one anyway. I don’t need to tell you guys that bullying is out of control in a lot of schools in this country, especially against LGBT kids. A week of events like the ones suggested here could truly make a difference in how kids treat each other.

This week, I’m going to speak out against bullying among my peers. What will you do?

gaywrites:

A new survey by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network has found that instances of antigay bullying are common as early as the elementary school years. 

The survey asked more than a thousand teachers and a thousand students about what they overheard at school. 26% of both groups had heard derogatory terms like “fag” or “lesbo” while nearly twice as many heard comments like “that’s so gay.” 

As other research has shown, victims of bullying didn’t do as well in school, reported having fewer friends, and generally did not report being happy in school. Most teachers reported being trained in combating bullying and said they spoke up when they heard antigay remarks, but most is not enough. 

What do we do about this?

gaywrites:

Jeffrey Fehr, a gay 18-year-old from Granite Bay, California, committed suicide early New Year’s Day. He had been treated for depression and his parents believe he was subjected to years of bullying. 

“We will second-guess ourselves forever,” his father said. “But we do know that for years and years, people knocked him down for being different. It damaged him. It wore on him. He could never fully believe how wonderful he was, and how many people loved him.”

I’m not sure why news about him is only surfacing now and I apologize for missing it earlier. This is absolutely tragic and my thoughts and prayers are with his family. I can’t believe this awful epidemic isn’t slowing.  

If you need help, please, please, please call the Trevor Project’s lifeline at 1-866-488-7386. You are beautiful, you are important, you are valuable, and I couldn’t bear to see you go. 

droppingthefbomb:

If you are a transgender person in Sweden today looking to legally change your gender, in the 21st century you are still forced to undergo surgery that will render you permanently infertile and forever unable to have children. This barbaric practice of forced sterilizations has to stop!  

The majority of the Swedish parliament is in favor of modifying this law - but up until now Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt has let a small conservative party block this long awaited reform. 

Let’s make sure the Prime Minister knows that the majority of Sweden, and Europe - wants to see Sweden on the right side of history - by eliminating this archaic practice. 

Please take one minute to sign this urgent letter to the Prime Minister of Sweden asking him to stop playing politics with the fundamental human rights of Swedish citizens. Our friends at RFSL, the Swedish LGBT Federation, will deliver your signatures directly to the Prime Minister’s office.

xdearlydamagedx:

You may sit there and actually believe you’re better than everyone else, that you can over exaggerate situations to try and justify your actions, but guess what?

You tried to kill a person.

Bullying is murder. You don’t think that the horrible, cruel, down right FUCKED UP SHIT you did wasn’t…