Gerard Veldhoven
The Hallmark Channel recently caved in to demands that an advertisement, depicting a lesbian couple kissing at the altar, be removed after a hate group, One Million Moms made the demand. Following an outcry from various corners, Hallmark has decided to resume the ads.
Many instances have been well documented. Our society is steadfastly in limbo regarding this subject, but be assured that the vast majority around the globe reject the notion, as well as the reality, that those who are on the “other side” usually remain there.
We are aware of many stories that hit the headlines in our daily news, as well as through personal experiences, that all is not well. Tradition seems to rule and that mold is difficult to crack, making us who are of the liberal mind, uneasy in regard to the future.
Gay couples are denied services, such as bakeries refusing to supply a cake depicting a gay couple, or who simply say it is against their religious beliefs. Some flower shops are on record denying couples services. Of course, this is where it becomes rather tricky. Our religious friends are of various opinions and beliefs, but be assured, atheists view it from a different angle in that human rights are at stake, our inherent right to equality, regardless of our views.
The LGBTQ+ population in this world is on the move, albiet at a slow pace. Opposition to equality, especially as viewed by religious teachings, is concerning, but nevertheless may result in a possible change in attitudes. Being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, or any other unique quality we may possess, must eventually be accepted as part of the world order, as well as a committed community that must also accept the differences in all of humanity. History reveals to us that differences in people have always been the subject of controversy and indeed the causes of discrimination in all its forms.
Sexuality has been discussed in great detail and over the centuries has experienced violence as incited by strong anti-equality. Many religions have denounced equal rights sought by the LGBTQ+ community. Only a handful is in the process of positive change. We cannot overlook that same-sex activities have always been part of society.
We may well ask how many biblical, or historical characters were gay. Articles have been written suggesting that the Christian character, Jesus, was gay. Do we know that for certain? No, of course not, but it is entirely possible. Today, if someone associates mostly with those of the same gender, questions will be asked, though it may not have substance. The question is, does it really matter? In a world where controversy remains high on the list, answers are not easily obtained. Should we care if Jesus was gay or not? Is it of our concern? Do we constantly wonder about our neighbours, family members, or friends and their sexual orientation, or true gender identity? Does our society need the answers to all these questions?
Our entire society must take into account that none of us is like the other. We must find answers to reveal who we truly are, our true self-identities and live our lives as they are meant to be lived. In other words, be true to one’s self. Some religious attitudes are changing into a positive. The Conference of Roman Catholic Bishops in Germany have concluded that being gay is a “normal form of sexual predisposition.” They agreed that “human sexuality encompasses a dimension of lust, of procreation and of relationships. Sexual preference expresses itself in puberty and assumes a hetro- or homosexual orientation and that any form of discrimination of these persons with a homosexual orientation has to be rejected.”
At this point it is not clear how the Vatican will view this news, but it seems unlikely it will be accepted. The point is that this is hopefully a beginning of acceptance by the church as a whole. Then and only then, will the healing begin. Mutual respect must be the end result for an embracing society.
Gerard Veldhoven is a gay rights activist. His column appears monthly. Comments and information: [email protected]
