My opinion? My opinion is kids die from talks like that. Seriously.
Read this and while you're at it, read this, too.
There were times I went to bed hoping I wouldn't wake up the next morning. I took bottles of advil, benedryl, and a prescription drug (that I can't remember the name of) on different occasions because I didn't want to be gay. My biggest fear was that I'd be a disappointment to my family, to my friends, to my church, and to my God- and I rather have died than do that.
Luckily for me, most of my attempts to leave this world were naive and didn't cause anything more than a sick stomach and really long naps. But I am a lucky one. Too many leave this world-or are taken from this world from people who hate us because of our sexual orientation.
I'm not going to say that Elder Packer is wrong. I don't know if what he said wrong. All I know is that I have had spiritual experiences where I have felt that I am okay being me. I have felt and continue to feel that God loves me- all of me- even the gay part of me.
Even if you agree with what Elder Packer said, I, a gay woman, who tried for the majority of my life not to be gay, continue to plead for what I have always pleaded for- love, acceptance, and tolerance. Don't support gay marriage if you can't support it but love your gay friends, your gay neighbors, your gay family members.
8 comments:
Oh Belle, Oh how I love you! You are one of the best of God's children. One of the most loving and caring, and spiritual I might add, of any I know. THe first to help when someone is in need of anything, the first to to organize the fam (ie Moab trip) the first to support family in anything we do. You flew home on your own daime when you heard about my health problems, and was here the next day. There were words used in Elder Packers talk that were hard to swallow. I can't put them near my mouth at all in fact! And you are right. Many suicides have occured from ignorance. The church has come a long way in love and tolerance. We have yet a long way to go....Love you honey!
Chelsea--what a great post, thank you. I listened to this talk yesterday and said to myself, among other things, "well, this talk doesn't do anything to help people who are struggling". I don't have any answers on the subjects he addressed, and maybe we never will, but you are right: what we really need is more love and kindess to those around us.
When I met you in high school, I though you were one of the greatest people I had ever met...and i still think that! I am sorry that you have had to go through unspeakable pain and rough times. I hope that you find peace and happiness.
Thank for chosing to say what you said (especially the way you ended this post). No one can ever question your personal relationship with God and I think you are a rockstar. I love you to death and everyone I know, who knows you, feels the same way. Stay strong and optimistic and know that you are loved!
I watched Elder Packer's talk but didn't hear a word. But from what I gather, good for you for addressing this and your own personal thoughts and feelings toward it.
All I can say is DITTO to everything that's been said and I praise you for EVERYTHING that you are despite and including you being gay. Love you!
9 more days!!!
Chelsea, I know we really have only met a few short times, but I love you and I adore your family.You are an amazing strong, beautiful woman who should be proud of who you are. We are all God's children and should be treated as such. Life is tough enough on it's own. Stay strong and know that you are LOVED, accepted and a true example of what REAL love and faith is. Thank you for being you.
I love the way you expressed this. I admire the way you convey your emotions without blaming and being angry, just asking for acceptance and understanding. This was very touching.
i love you chelsea. it is so hard for me to hear about your suicidal attempts. i wish i could have been there to hold your hand and let you know how incredible you are. i miss you a lot. it is crazy how you can affect someone by a stupid comment and i have decided to make sure i speak love and help the sad lady at the grocery store. (you mentioned her in a ater post)
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