Really now? Really? It's 2008, people. Get with the program.
I honestly didn't want to write anything having to do with gay culture or anything that could be stereotypically me, but after what happened on Wednesday, I was left with no choice.
If you were on campus, you may have witnessed two large-scale events that were taking place. The first one, in honor of National Coming Out Week, was a professional drag show put on by the UB LGBTA (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Alliance) in the Student Union. Hosted by Natasha Michaels, a cast member at Club Marcella, students were entertained by female impersonators to continue with this week's festivities. The support and turnout was huge.
The other event that was occurring simultaneously was the anti-LBGT protest outside of Knox lecture hall.
About 150 students gathered around a man and his daughter shouting homophobic slander. Since I really don't feel like giving him any more attention, I'll refer to him as Mr. Ignorant.
Mr. Ignorant, with his silent partner in crime at his side, was explaining how homosexuality was wrong. Directing his message to Michaels, "[Homosexuality] is evil. Look at you. You are an animal." Michaels retorted with, "Ooh! Can I be a tiger? Rawr."
When the leader of the protest shouted, "God is going to punish you!" quick-witted Michaels replied with, "I hope he punishes me with a paddle!" With that, onlookers laughed and applauded her for keeping humor and morale present.
Sam Robbins, a sophomore dance major, stated after the riot, "As a Christian, I feel like my religion is being poorly represented."
Obviously I am respectful of differences between people. I am respectful of sexuality. I am respectful of sexual orientation. I am respectful of gender identity and expression. I am respectful of religion. Everyone is entitled to his or her beliefs. However, tenaciously dissenting and verbally attacking others is wrong. If Jesus preached acceptance of all and equality, then why condemn people for being who they are, as well as being created in "God's image?"
It was ideal when members of the student body who watched the protest raised their voices in singing portions of "Why Can't We Be Friends," "All You Need is Love" and "Seasons of Love." Clearly, observers experienced omnipresent feelings: love and acceptance.
Mr. Ignorant, like everyone, is permitted to state what he wants and what he may personally believe. In the same respect, the two girls who made out in front of him were too. Stand by what you feel and what you say. If we're all going to hell, as Mr. Ignorant whined, it's going to be one intense party.
Mr. Ignorant, the religion you stand by preaches acceptance; so don't discriminate. How plausible is your contradiction?
