I think it is fair to say that I will never understand any religion. In my view, it's a dogmatic belief that perpetuates fear and self-loathing. It was at a church that I encountered my first experience of homophobia. But certainly not my last. When it was discovered that I was gay, I was essentially asked to leave, though not by words but by actions.
Since then I have encountered many people with religious beliefs and have found most thoughtful and accepting, and even many Christians (Catholics in particular) who are very supportive of the LGBT community.
Of these religions, two stand out as especially hostile to the LGBT community. The Baptists and the Mormons. Both denominations have actively (and aggressively I might add) lobbied governments all over to reject any benefits for the LGBT community. It is only recently that the Mormons have come around in a small way to accepting anti-discrimination laws that protect the LGBT community in areas of public accommodation, jobs and housing. But they still insist that individual religious rights be given priority over all other considerations.
It's frustrating to say the least.
The harassment we encounter from door-to-door proselytizers such as the Mormons and the Jehovah's Witnesses have become so annoying that my boyfriend has taken to acting outrageously to drive them away (they do not take no for an answer). The last time a couple of missionaries came to our door, he remarked on the attractiveness of one of them and invited him in for something to drink. They left quite abruptly, let me tell you. We now fly a pride flag above our door and it seems to be working to keeping these people away.
But the point is, I shouldn't have to.
If I wish to join a religious group, I'd attend that church. Coming to my door to push your beliefs on my only serves to strengthen my dislike for them.
In the end, where it comes to those who belong to a denomination that does not condone relations between people of the same sex, I think it is up to the person to ask themselves this question: What is more important to me, my faith or my happiness in life?
For me, I could never see myself belonging to a religious organization that prohibits me from being happy by telling me who I can and cannot fall in love with. That is a serious intrusion into my life and I resent anyone who tells me how I should live it.
Relax, sir. No one's pushing their beliefs on you. Missionaries from the Mormon Church, and those from the Jehovah's Witnesses and other proselytizing religious organizations, are not pushing their beliefs on anyone. In fact, when they come over your door, you can simply say, "No," and they'll leave.
Also, to be honest, I agree with you that many Mormons were hostile towards LGBTQs. Being a gay Mormon myself, I experienced the hostility of some Mormons. I'm even willing to give examples from my own experiences. Some members of my ward (a local Mormon congregation) begun snubbing me after finding out my sexuality. Some members even reject getting the sacrament (the Mormon communion, the bread and water) from me when I pass and I have a strong feeling that it's because of my sexuality. But Mormons are not perfect. We commit mistakes too. But we're trying hard to correct our mistakes and change everything. For instance, the Church launched
Mormons and Gays to clarify its position on homosexuality. The official position of the Church on homosexuality was clearly stated on the aforementioned website and let me reiterate it by quoting it here:
Where the Church stands: The experience of same-sex attraction is a complex reality for many people. The attraction itself is not a sin, but acting on it is. Even though individuals do not choose to have such attractions, they do choose how to respond to them. With love and understanding, the Church reaches out to all God's children, including our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters.
While the Church is openly and in a civil manner expressing its opposition to same-sex marriage, the Church also supports anti-discrimination laws, just like what you said on your post. May it be recent, but I'm already happy that my Church is supporting these laws. To add, the LDS Church is not forcing its positions on everyone, to non-Mormons and even to Mormons.
Mormons Building Bridges and
Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons are both in favor of same-sex marriage and most of their members are
active in the Mormon Church.
Well, to be honest, we can't blame you and others like you out there for having that kind of impression on Mormons when it comes to LGBTQ issues because of our past that's "not-so-welcoming" of LGBTQs. I do admit that we only have ourselves to blame but we don't want to waste our time blaming ourselves for what happened in the past because we're in the present. That's why we're correcting our mistakes and making necessary changes. (Note: "Correcting" and "making" are in the present progressive tense.) Not everyone recognizes our efforts while some simply choose not to. We can't blame them because that's a part of life's reality. We can't please everyone. Despite that, we will continue in making change and doing good to the extent of what we can, whether we get appreciated and recognized by others or not. :)
If sexual celibacy's your thing, you could find someone likeminded with you. Not all marriages have to be sexual (and most stop being sexual after a bit of time anyways XD).
Yeah, true that. Anyway, I don't believe that marriage's purpose is sexual. But my concern is doctrinal and religious. I do respect LGBTQs who choose to be in a relationship or in a marriage with someone of the same gender.
