So today I went to my first Chicago Gay Pride Parade. I was informed that, while it's the second largest in the nation (San Francisco, of course, is the largest but honestly, after this three hour long thing today, I can't imagine that SF's parade is much bigger), it's the oldest pride parade! Anyway, WOW, what a day. I don't normally drink - not that I'm against it or anything; I just don't usually want to spend the money on something that's likely to make me act stupid and feel crummy the next day. But today was a day of fun and support and Duffy's had 44 oz. Pink Electric Lemonades at a killer price so... what's a girl to do? I bought a beverage. And it was GOOD.
My good friend and former flat mate, Hunter, met up with me and we had a blast! And, oh my, some of the things people wore were a little on the crazy side but, for the most part, it wasn't ridiculous or obscene, just people celebrating life and supporting each other. And. I. SAW. THE. STANLEY. CUP. From, like, 5 feet away (no joke)... it's HUGE! And Chely Wright was the Grand Marshall - how cool is that? Don't know who she is? Google her.
You know, as a Christian, I think a lot about this "gay thing." I have more questions than answers and most of my questions are based on the hateful exclusion of people for being gay. I mean, when I went through my divorce, the people from my church were so horrible to me. I was hurting and they turned their backs on me. My gay co-workers were the ones who held me up and said, "you're okay, honey, and this is hard but it's going to get better." I just don't understand. I mean, if being gay is a sin, then that's between that person and God. But if it IS a sin... doesn't the Bible say to obey the laws of the land? And doesn't the Bible say that there is only one unforgivable sin? And that in God's eyes, other than that one thing, a sin is a sin is a sin? If so... then why aren't people who break the law by speeding ostracized by the church? Why aren't people who pilfer a pen or a pad of paper from work called out? Why is it only the people who do drugs or the people who live lifestyles of an "alternate sexual choice?" I don't think I'll ever understand that as long as I have breath in this body.
But enough of that! On with the show! (more photos to follow when I have time to upload them)
Great post! I'm still loving your blog! (From one big girl to another--just read your DYAO post)......
ReplyDeleteYou asked (probably hypothetically, but I'm answering anyways) about homosexuality and christianity....without going into a huge religious debate, I have to say that I felt the same way...I could NOT accept my church's lame explanation about why it was wrong to be gay. I did lots of research, read a bunch of books, but specifically, a book called "Misquoting Jesus" by Bart Ehrman. I now realize that the Bible was written and re-written by scribes and in many cases, the scribes either mistook the passages and recorded them wrongly OR attempted to spread their OWN dogma by editing them. I now realize that it is impossible to translate the Bible literally.
These days, we conveniently turn our heads when religious organizations treat human beings like they're less than human because of their sexuality or marital status. If this behaviour isn't right for your EMPLOYER, why is it ok for your Church? I now realize that religious groups are no better than regular society...so, religion is an EPIC fail for me.
I am now a proud, free-thinking, agnostic woman. If you are having sex with someone/something that can give legal consent and is willing,then have fun--it's not my business.