I hope all my Friends and family read this post and take to heart what I have to say. I believe in equality. For every person, every religion, every color for every sexual orientation.
Yesterday the Governor of Indiana signed into law, under the guise of religious freedom, legislation that allows businesses and institutions to discriminate against the LGBT community. The States of Arkansas and Oklahoma are considering the same legislation.
I was raised in an all white neighborhood of Chicago. I went to an all white school. My friends were all white. My parents believed in discrimination and practiced it. I was raised in a church that kept silent about the topic, even during Chicago's racial upheavals during the 60's.
Growing up. I just thought, "...that's the way it is." Until, when I was about 13, I visited my aunt in Detroit for a week. In order to get back home I had to take the train, by myself. 300 miles, by myself, on a train that transported all races and kinds. I was scared to death. My aunt had packed me a PB&J and some cookies for the trip. I sat in my seat and started tearing the edges of my ticket because I was so nervous. The porter, a young black man, noticed my torn ticket when he went through the car collecting tickets. About 1/2 hour into my journey he came back and sat with me and just started talking. I finally warmed up and started to get involved in a conversation with him. Occasionally he had to get up to take care of other passengers, but he always came back to me. He brought me water and a fresh sandwich. By the time we got to Gary, Indiana I was completely comfortable. Rolling into Chicago's Union Station he asked if anyone was picking me up and when I told him I had to take the L and CTA back home he asked for my phone number.
I got home safe and sound and totally upbeat about my trip. My parents were really glad that I enjoyed the train ride and my week in Detroit UNTIL that evening when the phone rang and my dad answered it. Dad came and got me and was very angry. He said, "It sounds like a n*gger on the phone for you." I went to the phone and it was the porter who had made me feel so comfortable on the train. He was just making sure I got home ok.
That 300 mile journey opened my eyes in this way. Take a B&W picture of me and the porter sitting on the train and put it in a coloring book. The two people in the coloring book are equal and have no color, no religion, no appointed sexual orientation.
My dad never understood until our daughter had a biracial baby. Right before he died I put the newborn in his arms and he smiled from ear to ear. I think he finally realized, she is no different. She was just beautiful.
I feel this way about everyone who is not like me. I don't discriminate. I will never discriminate, against any orientation or race. However, I may discriminated against those religions and sectors of religion, that discriminate against others.
My biggest fear is for the children. To be legally discriminated against. Back into the closet, back to making decisions that could end their life. Where is the sense in it?
I'm sure the Supreme Court will eventually strike down Indiana's law, but until that time, if you agree with Indiana, Arkansas or Oklahoma, please Un-friend and Un-follow me. I won't harbor any bad feelings.