Tyra Banks debates: Gay is the new Black

I'm sharing today a video from the Tyra Banks Show, one in which equal rights for all people is argued. Debates between gay-affirming and non-gay-affirming sides are rather disagreeable, whether they are on Youtube, television, or facebook. However, except for the fact that I am gay-affirming and support equal rights, I would find them non-productive. Few points are made that are going to change anyone's minds. The most beneficial part of this video clip is that the "straight" side women are annoyingly condescending, and they show themselves to be bigoted and unkind, and the blue-jacketed woman is downright mean. Oh, and they also represent themselves as Christians. (Lord, have mercy on us all.)

In this video, Tyra has three guests on the "gay" side, and three on the "straight" side. If I were to sit and talk with them, I'm not even sure they would listen to what I have to say. Of those who I've talked to, few have changed. Few have listened. Many have been distant, and most have stuck to what they already believe.

But there are SOME, those of us who have worked with gay people, lived alongside gay neighbors, have a gay family member, or had a friend who has come out to us, and we few have been willing to realize that gay people are JUST LIKE US. And we few, and the number is growing all the time, are going to continue to grow, and we WILL SEE CHANGE! This change is not going to be that gay will change to straight (nor will straight change to gay) but it will be in the laws, and ultimately in the hearts of straight people - and we are going to realize how awful we (yes, WE) have been - in our non-acceptance, in our villification, in our lies and mean-ness to those who have not chosen to be simply different in ONE little aspect. And we are going to say, Please forgive us, we are so sorry.

Lately there have been some people make charges in my direction, calling me to "come back to the fold," and questioning whether I have just become accepting, "because of my pain." Another one sent her book in the mail questioning "Where's the Proof? True Christianity verses Religion," [sic].

Oh, you people! Are you kidding me? You folks are really calling into question whether I am still a Christian? Let me respond. Forgiveness is a hallmark of a true Christian. Love is what Jesus said would distinguish his followers. And 'though it tries my patience, I still keep trying to love and forgive those who don't see this through my eyes. And THAT is not easy.

When shows like Tyra Banks start looking good and making good points, and when the religious right is showing themselves for who they are, I think there's going to be progress. At least I hope so.