A thought on the past years' LGBTQI movement. I have been blessed to discuss the problems and solutions of the GLBTQI population with compassion, understanding, and acceptance.
Recent events have left me troubled, as I have witnessed the once-oppressed becoming the oppressors. In the past, gay men were shamed by society and church. They were told their behavior was wrong and evil and they were excluded (and worse) from participating in mainstream society.
Now, LGBTQI people have spoken out against their mistreatment. This is good. I celebrate this healing action.
What is troubling to me is that, when I (and my church), publicly announce that we will not accept GLBTQI behavior, the response is that they now shame us. We are now evil and unnatural, and they shun us.
While this may be a natural reaction, and justifiable, it is not productive. Instead of accepting our efforts to include and recognize legitimate complaints, they choose to do unto us what harm we have done to them. And so the cycle continues.
