In memory of Nathan
Nathan's legacy
This story has had me crying both as a human and as a religious person. I'm *tired* of the blinders people wear, I'm *tired* of the lies they tell, I'm *tired* of the violence of hate carried out in the name(s) of God. I'm beginning to wonder why God does *not* wipe us all out for the evils we allow to perpetrate in our society. (How Pat Robertsonish of me, I know!)
Christ said that what we do to the least, we do as unto God. When we shun and disown and kick out and deny and disdain and dishonor, that is no exception.
Nathan's family committed a heinous act of aggression against his memory, not only by officially denying his identity - his work - his passion (as if that isn't enough), but by soliciting donations for an ex-gay organization in their gay son's name. I find it somewhat ironic though, that in the great scheme to deny Nathan's reality, they acknowledged it - why else would they have selected such a 'charity'?
All in all, I take hope in knowing that out of sadness can often come great joy and renewed invigoration for action and change. I hope that as his story spreads, at least one kid who is struggling will realize there are people who can help - even if their family won't - and that they will be able to reach out and find a hand. I hope that at least one person ambivalent about civil rights will realize that just because 'the gay' isn't as obvious as skin tone, that the need for full equality for all people - in the law and in our hearts/minds - is no less vital and will step up to speak up. I hope that at least one person who fears homosexuality will realize that the GLBT community consists of regular ole people, no less human and no more scary than any of 'us'.
For my own part, I don't have much, but I'm going to make a donation to Lambert House and to the local PFLAG group in Nathan's name. It's the most I can do with my schedule but I also feel it is the least I can do to help others in his situation.
don't give up, no reason to be ashamed
This story has had me crying both as a human and as a religious person. I'm *tired* of the blinders people wear, I'm *tired* of the lies they tell, I'm *tired* of the violence of hate carried out in the name(s) of God. I'm beginning to wonder why God does *not* wipe us all out for the evils we allow to perpetrate in our society. (How Pat Robertsonish of me, I know!)
Christ said that what we do to the least, we do as unto God. When we shun and disown and kick out and deny and disdain and dishonor, that is no exception.
Nathan's family committed a heinous act of aggression against his memory, not only by officially denying his identity - his work - his passion (as if that isn't enough), but by soliciting donations for an ex-gay organization in their gay son's name. I find it somewhat ironic though, that in the great scheme to deny Nathan's reality, they acknowledged it - why else would they have selected such a 'charity'?
All in all, I take hope in knowing that out of sadness can often come great joy and renewed invigoration for action and change. I hope that as his story spreads, at least one kid who is struggling will realize there are people who can help - even if their family won't - and that they will be able to reach out and find a hand. I hope that at least one person ambivalent about civil rights will realize that just because 'the gay' isn't as obvious as skin tone, that the need for full equality for all people - in the law and in our hearts/minds - is no less vital and will step up to speak up. I hope that at least one person who fears homosexuality will realize that the GLBT community consists of regular ole people, no less human and no more scary than any of 'us'.
For my own part, I don't have much, but I'm going to make a donation to Lambert House and to the local PFLAG group in Nathan's name. It's the most I can do with my schedule but I also feel it is the least I can do to help others in his situation.
don't give up, no reason to be ashamed
posted by chickie at 3:31 PM
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