I live in a community and region of
the country where most people have not accepted the lifestyles of gays and
lesbians. They vote against their rights and speak impolitely about them. I am
one of the few in my community who do not look to religion or personal opinion
to say who can marry and who cannot. I am for separating church and state. Most
people in Alabama and the South in general are very old fashioned and do not
like to change or even entertain the idea that they might be viewing gay and
lesbians in the wrong light. I can understand it but it still does not make it
right. When you have been raised so long in an area that primarily believes and
propagates certain beliefs and ideals, where only a very few people who have
had the courage to stand up get ousted, most people go with it and fail to
break the cycle. It takes a courageous person to go against the status quo.
Although, the more people break the status quo, the easier it is to make change
and develop more positively. Understanding this has helped me understand how
vital my stances are as I help children develop positive self-images and identities.
I
disagree with those who believe that schools should ban books and materials
depicting same-sex couples. I would tell them that I see no harm in it and I am
not afraid of showing them to my children. Considering how more and more
same-sex couples are getting married and raising families, I would explain to
them that in my professional opinion, children would be more prepared from the
exposure to the various family orientations. Hopefully, in addition to an
anti-bias educator, the children will develop respect and compassion for gay
and lesbian people. I would have the same responses to people and/or family members
who say that they do not want a gay or transgender caregiver for their child.
It is difficult for people to think
differently, especially about things that they hold dearly and for things that
have believed for a long time. This will not however hold me back from speaking
my mind in the hopes that my words ring true to someone and sparks change in
their mind.
