Coming out in the open
Gay students still face challenges on campus
Julie Skinner
Issue date: 10/9/08 Section: News
"The fear of coming out will mostly stem from rejection, or if they are very religious people and they are told that being gay is going to damn them to hell, then that is also pretty hard to hear," Deshotels said. "Each individual has to make the decision of "coming out" themselves, but it's important to have a strong social network first so that in the event that you are rejected by your family and your straight friends, there's less potential for you to become depressed."
Reverend Roger McClellan is an Alabama Conference leader for the Progresive Christian Alliance, a group located in Anniston, Ala. The church he leads at is comprised of post-denominational Christians who are of different backgrounds and together share the passion of Christ, social justice and respect for all people with theological diversity. He believes many scriptures in the bible have been misinterpreted when dealing with homosexuality.
"I find it very short-sighted that the 7 scriptures that are often used to condemn homosexuality, are given more weight or importance than the 2703 scriptures that speak of loving one's neighbor," McClellan said.
Deshotels, who has taught in other parts of the country, explains that the South can often times be more harsh to GLBT than more northern areas.
"Here, for example, it is quite common to hear from students in class when the discussion of homosexuality comes up, 'that's disgusting'," Deshotels said. "Where as that would never be tolerated in other parts of the country."
When it comes to religions, McClellan finds it difficult that a religion based on love, such as Christianity, can sometimes be close-minded to people with sexual orientations other than that of being heterosexual.
"It is very sad that a faith that is based upon love, has been so often used to marginalize those who are different. We have to learn that "different" does not mean "deficient," McClellan said. "For those who are afraid to "come out", I would say that you are, as we all are, a child of God, "fearfully and wonderfully made," exactly as intended. Rest in the knowledge that you are loved by God, as you are."
For more information on how to join or lead SAFE, contact Dr. Tina Deshotels of the Sociology Department at 782-5350.
Reverend Roger McClellan is an Alabama Conference leader for the Progresive Christian Alliance, a group located in Anniston, Ala. The church he leads at is comprised of post-denominational Christians who are of different backgrounds and together share the passion of Christ, social justice and respect for all people with theological diversity. He believes many scriptures in the bible have been misinterpreted when dealing with homosexuality.
"I find it very short-sighted that the 7 scriptures that are often used to condemn homosexuality, are given more weight or importance than the 2703 scriptures that speak of loving one's neighbor," McClellan said.
Deshotels, who has taught in other parts of the country, explains that the South can often times be more harsh to GLBT than more northern areas.
"Here, for example, it is quite common to hear from students in class when the discussion of homosexuality comes up, 'that's disgusting'," Deshotels said. "Where as that would never be tolerated in other parts of the country."
When it comes to religions, McClellan finds it difficult that a religion based on love, such as Christianity, can sometimes be close-minded to people with sexual orientations other than that of being heterosexual.
"It is very sad that a faith that is based upon love, has been so often used to marginalize those who are different. We have to learn that "different" does not mean "deficient," McClellan said. "For those who are afraid to "come out", I would say that you are, as we all are, a child of God, "fearfully and wonderfully made," exactly as intended. Rest in the knowledge that you are loved by God, as you are."
For more information on how to join or lead SAFE, contact Dr. Tina Deshotels of the Sociology Department at 782-5350.
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