Another look at the Warren mess from a Texas schoolteacher

[sorrybushisfromtexas]

While upset by President Elect Obama's pick of Rick Warren, I know that I am not feeling what my GLBT brothers and sisters feel. I do know that my nephew who is a proud gay man is very hurt by the decision. I feel that it was a slap in the face to those who expected more from Obama.

I also feel that the California Supreme Court will likely kick out prop. 8. I feel that will take some of the hurt
away. I am disappointed but still proud Obama was picked. I do not agree with him on gay marriage, but I do know he is a hell of a lot better than the alternative.

I know it is trite to say someday. I feel the day should be now. I don't know the pain of being a citizen where many rights are withheld. I believe that it is a civil right to marry the one you love. I still see the fear of many that do not begin to understand that right. I am a middle school teacher and an inactive Southern Baptist deacon, who still chooses to attend the Church of his youth. I do feel many times that my wife and I are lone voices in the wilderness.

I choose to share the story of my nephew, with his permission, of a boy who grew up so confused by the Southern Baptist Church. It has made many think, and even some change their minds about the fact that his sexuality was not a choice. He was one of the most active youth in his church who heard his pastor preach that he was not
loved because of his sexuality. He tried to hide it, he tried to pray it away, and twice put a shotgun in his mouth to end his torment of conflicted feelings about his relationship to God.

He came out in his early twenties, and did not want his extended family to know. My sister did share
and he was accepted by all. It was not a surprise to my wife and I. My Dad who was near 75, and fond of what he called queer jokes, simply said, "Well, I just am going to have to love him even more, because their are many who will not accept him.

I do not hear the same sermons being preached 20 years ago. I do not hear the hate in church that I used to hear. My son attends a Southern Baptist Church who refused to put up a sign calling for the banning of gay marriage. I feel that as an outsider looking in things are better with younger evangelicals who are much more accepting.

I know this is a ramble and not well written. I do know that Obama was a better choice for our country than four more years of Bush. I hope that the rest of his decisions about civil rights for all will be better. I also know that he is not perfect and will make decisions which will upset many.

[TomInTib]

1. That quote from your Dad just knocked me out.

Sitting in this big old house, alone for the first time in ages (everyone else has headed East to freeze their asses off), teary.

That was beautiful.

Thanks.

Tom