Homophobia and transphobia kill

I've been wanting to write about this since I read this article from a pastor https://intheparlor.wordpress.com/2013/12/19/what-you-believe-about-homosexuality-doesnt-matter/.   It's something that needs to be said because kids are dying and will continue to die if we don't change, yes change is happening but not nearly fast enough. We don't have time to wait for the next generation, THIS generation needs be educated when it comes to the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and transgender) community. 

You will not be able to control if your child is LGBT, no amount of good or bad parenting "turns a child gay" I've made this point previously but I will say it again, It's not a choice and even if they never hear the word homosexual or understand what it means (virtually impossible now a days) they will still be who they are. 

If you are homophobic at home what are the chances your LGBT child will feel open to coming out to you? I sadly know friends who lost their son to suicide. He never gave them the chance to change their opinions, they had no clue how their views where affecting him. 

If LGBT children are raised in a homophobic culture and/or home the chance of self harm is enormous. I will be posting links at the bottom with link about statics of suicide attemps of LGBT youth and young adults. Chances of bullying and violence done too them are also huge. The stats are even worse if its transphobia. 

"SUICIDE PREVENTION RESOURCES

FACTS ABOUT SUICIDE

Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among young people ages 10 to 24.

• Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among young people ages 10 to 24. [1] 

• LGB youth are 4 times more likely, and questioning youth are 3 times more likely, to attempt suicide as their straight peers. [2] 

• Suicide attempts by LGB youth and questioning youth are 4 to 6 times more likely to result in injury, poisoning, or overdose that requires treatment from a doctor or nurse, compared to their straight peers. [3] 

• Nearly half of young transgender people have seriously thought about taking their lives, and one quarter report having made a suicide attempt. [4] 

• LGB youth who come from highly rejecting families are 8.4 times as likely to have attempted suicide as LGB peers who reported no or low levels of family rejection. [5] 

• 1 out of 6 students nationwide (grades 9-12) seriously considered suicide in the past year. [6] 

• Suicide attempts are nearly two times higher among Black and Hispanic youth than White youth. [7] 

• Each episode of LGBT victimization, such as physical or verbal harassment or abuse, increases the likelihood of self-harming behavior by 2.5 times on average. [8]"

-http://www.thetrevorproject.org/pages/facts-about-suicide

What you say does matter, if your beliefs and opinions are hurting people because they are prejudice and hateful please keep them to yourself. Do you want to be the reason someone doesn't want to go on living? Is love something you can show towards another human being instead? 

http://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/AFSP-Williams-Suicide-Report-Final.pdf

http://ontario.cmha.ca/mental-health/lesbian-gay-bisexual-trans-people-and-mental-health/

http://www.yspp.org/about_suicide/statistics.htm

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/nov/19/young-transgender-suicide-attempts-survey

http://www.healthyplace.com/gender/glbt-mental-health/homosexuality-and-suicide-lgbt-suicide-%E2%80%93-a-serious-issue/

http://m.huffpost.com/ca/entry/1268709

From homophobe to straight ally - my journey

This is not a debate or a theological discussion. This is my journey from a ignorant, sheltered, ex IFB baptist, homophobe to a loving, kind, accepting human being who believes and fights for equal rights for everyone.

My first huge step in this journey was realizing you're born gay/straight/bi/trans etc. it's a big deal. I would say 99% of homophobic people argue this point. They're born straight so everyone else is too right? Pure ignorance but let's continue. There are many people in the lgbt community that helped me come to that conclusion, people who grew up like I did, very religious, some still Christian AND gay (SHOCKER) yes gay Christians exist.

Still I would have classified myself a homophobe. I knew it wasn't a choice who they were attracted to, yet I still had those incriminating bible verses floating around in my head. That made me look at the bible a lot more closely and objectively. Long story short I came to realize people like quoting one verse and ignoring the next five. The bible has been used for hatred for hundreds of years and I got sick of it. If that was the only reason I would have prejudice against innocent people just trying to love other people then I was the worst Christian ever. It's time we realize the bible is greatly lacking when it comes to examples of human rights, equality, science and more then anything morals. It's not just the Old Testament it's the New as well. Do not quote verses at me, you won't like the ones I throw back at you. I can play bible sword fights with the best of them. 

I'm a Canadian. I'm proud we have marriage equality in our country and have had it for years, most Christians in my area have no clue, why? Nothing has changed in their lives because of it. The world has continued to go on. 

Some of stories that helped open my eyes:

http://www.recoveringgrace.org/2012/01/freedom-from-strongholds/

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/johnshore/2014/05/southern-baptist-pastor-accepts-his-gay-son-changes-his-church/

https://homeschoolersanonymous.wordpress.com/2013/05/22/i-am-trans-and-i-am-beautiful-haley/

I have a lot more to say on this subject but for today this is it. 

Sexism harms men too

To the man in my life who didn't pursue a career as a chef because the sexist nature in this community.

To my brother who was almost denied an education because he was a boy and high school would be "too tempting". 

To the fathers I know whose roles have been stunted and diminished because they are just "the dad", "an extra child", "incompetent to care for a child", you're grown ups. You can do everything your wife can besides breastfeed. Your role as a parent is just as important! 

To the men and boys in my life who've been told repeatedly that they are weak for crying, perverted for looking and admiring feminine beauty and shamed for natural impulses and regular behavior. 

Gender inequality hurts men too. Men can help, please go to http://www.heforshe.org and sign the petition. 

To the men who call themselves feminists in my life, I applaud you. We need you. We can make a difference. 

Listening to Emma Watson's heforshe conversation on Facebook today has been so illuminating, I encourage everyone to watch the series (links on her Facebook page) https://www.facebook.com/emmawatson