I would like to take this time to congratulate Manchester College for it's "Coming-out Day" last Thursday. Events like these are a huge step forward in Gay-Straight relations. Hopefully, everyone on campus is now a little more accepting of other persons's personal preferences. .
For too long, too many people have had a negative concept of homosexuality. It's time that we begin to accept people for who they are. We should begin to tear down these social misconceptions. Homosexuals are people too, and should be treated as such. .
Homosexuality has always been a controversial topic. Today, the Episcopalian Church is split over whether to accept a gay Bishop. In many states, gay marriage is being debated. And in Texas, sodomy was just legalized. The Twentieth Century has seen a giant leap forward in accepting homosexuals into society, I hope this trend continues into the Twenty-first century as well. .
I can remember a few years ago when Matthew Shepard was beaten to death for being gay. It was a very tragic story which was in the news for quite some time. In fact, MTV recently made a documentary-fiction film about the murder and trial. .
What really sticks out in my mind, though, was the fact that while his funeral was being held, an anti-gay rally was held outside the church. A minister from a church in the same area had organized the event, and when being interviewed by CNN, he said "Matthew Shepard is burning in Hell" for being gay. .
I have to ask, of course, what type of minister was this guy? I mean, it takes a real cold-hearted person to say something like that, especially at a funeral. How did this guy become a minister in the first place? I thought one had to be compassionate and loving to lead a church. That also makes me wonder what type of church this guy was preaching. Did they have a cross burning during their church picnics? .
After hearing these stories and some of the comments from current MC students who oppose gay rights, it made me think that we still have a long way to go.
