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Letter: On religious acceptance

Dear BTL,
GLBT and religion. Many would say we are mixing water with oil. I disagree.
I will always stand on the side of our constitution and the individual's right to chose a religion, or NOT to choose one at all. I also believe the road to equality is made up of GLBT and allied people of faith as well.
I have noticed over the past few years that many of us have become defensive with those people who are religious. For some individuals it can bring back bad memories or experiences and I respect the responses and try to understand the pain associated with it. I understand and feel the pressures of some people of faith who are very negative and sometimes hateful towards GLBT people. But I also recognize there are many people of faith who are either neutral or embracing to GLBT people. I think it is important that we share stories of people who have embraced GLBT people in their congregations. I know my integrity and my belief in Jesus Christ will not be tarnished or destroyed by those who choose to hate me for being a gay man.
I believe that each of us makes a difference in our daily activities and being GLBT can be challenging as well as rewarding, but we have the power to decide how we will transform those who don't know us or understand us, one conversation at a time, one encounter at a time and one day at a time.
One of my favorite T-shirts (which is becoming quite worn) draws everyone's attention and yet it is so simple: "The more one judges, the less one loves."
Kenn Bing
Human Rights Campaign
Board of Governor, Michigan

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Topics: Opinions
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