A cousin of mine is a small town girl, living with her family in southern Ohio. Not too long ago she woke up, and found the front of her entire house covered with maple syrup. Windows, walls, gutters, everything. Hateful words were scrawled in chalk along her driveway, her parents’ cars covered in syrup as well. My grandparents were called in a panic, and had to help clean up before the syrup caused permanent damage. Why syrup, I couldn’t tell you, but the group that attacked my cousin’s house did it because my cousin had recently openly announced her homosexuality.
On November 27, 1978, Harvey Milk, the first openly homosexual man to ever be elected into California public office was shot and killed. The killer, Dan White, main defense? That he didn’t kill Milk out of cold blood, he had just not gotten enough sleep, eaten bad food, and was frustrated. White was given a very simple sentence to serve by a sympathetic jury, and riots ensued. Protesters ate Twinkies in the streets to mock White’s defense, and to metaphorically show that they could get away with what occurred during the riots.
Matthew Shepard was viciously beaten on October 6, 1998, by two men that said Sheppard “came on to them.” Shepard died a few days later. All because of his sexual orientation.
As part of an evolving community I find that tolerance will no longer make the cut. Tolerance is described as fair, and permissive, however fairness will not protect those who are persecuted, will not set the confused on the correct course. New, higher levels of respect must be instated, with compassion included rather than plain tolerance. People that go against the “flow” should be accepted as individuals, rather than ostracized as strange.
What does it take to make our community compassionate? Education for one, with teachers/parents telling their students that words like “gay” are not synonymous with “stupid.” Another way is to adopt an open mind. Not for five minutes, saying your life is forever changed, then reverting back to old ways. Rather, pick up your life from where it is, accept it, and be kind to those in need of someone to listen. That is a lifelong change. Never be quick to judge, listen to all sides of the story before you send out a mass text to your top twenty friends.
I understand that homosexuality is not embraced by all people, I be writing this then. Even if your religion, family education, political views, et cetera, refutes homosexuality, never forget that the person you are judging is a person too. They put on their pants one leg at a time, like you.
When people as me why I, a completely straight person, fight for gay rights, I remember my cousin, and know that is what this fight is all about.
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