The Right Thing to Do
As people in a position of privilege (white and straight), my husband and I have learned that it is our moral responsibility to speak out on behalf of those whom others in our position seek to oppress. It is difficult to fight this fight when I am working directly against most of my born-again Christian family members. But when my father claims that homosexuality is a choice, the urge to set him right is overwhelming. For those who have run into this and don't know how to respond, here are two good points to bring up to such people:
Ask them "If sexuality is a choice, when did YOU choose to be heterosexual? Can you pinpoint a time in your life when you thought to yourself, 'Yes, I will choose the opposite sex rather than my own.'" Often they will say there never was such a time.
Ask them "Why on earth would a gay person choose that path? It is a very difficult path indeed, to be gay, because many people will judge you, try to 'change your mind' or think that there is something wrong with you. Tell me, why would someone opt to be gay when it is such a hard life?"
It is very sad that I've had to break with my family on this and other issues, including political views, racism, etc., but it is the right thing to do. It's still not any easier knowing that, but at least my conscience is clear.
My husband and I support the GLBT community and hope that one day, all these problems will be behind us and equality for ALL people in ALL ways will be achieved.
Dana Saylor
Jan. 11, 2008