Of Twitter and Homophobia
MANILA, Philippines - “If God had wanted me otherwise, he would have created me otherwise.” – Goethe
The existence of the Supreme Being is still a puzzle and mystery to me but more than half of me believes that we don’t probably have it. Its existence is somehow different to what I am writing now. However, the argument that I have in mind which would be related to what Goethe had said is that, if there is such thing as God or an Omniscient One, I suppose that he is an all ever knowing god that is filled with love and compassion, so why would he create a being that would be hated because he is not like everybody else? I guess the tweet verse from a former beauty queen must be “(Homosexuality) Hate is a lie from the devil.” I think it sounds more perfect.
Social Networking sites these days have been a perfect platform for everyone to display their almost perfect online personality. These sites have been a good avenue for getting the latest information and for voicing out concerns, rants and just plain nonsense.
Recently, a world renowned boxer turned politician turned Bible ambassador had expressed his disapproval of same sex marriage after United States president Barack Obama made his personal support for it.
A couple of weeks ago, a former beauty queen who slipped in the pageant also tweeted that “homosexuality is a lie from the devil”. Of course, she got her share of staunch allies and enemies after doing for what she believes a humanitarian statement. This is a little ironic because the world where she lives in is virtually surrounded by gay men.
How far should the freedom of expression go? I think it is an individual’s constitutional and universal right to voice out his opinions and the act of delivering it deserves a respect but I think that if the opinion itself promotes prejudice and bigotry, it doesn’t deserve a single piece of respect.
Freedom has a price to pay. I actually don’t understand why there are still people who live under a rock. I don’t care about them as long as they keep their homophobic thoughts and ideas inside the closet.
In this age and time where society is already divided and torn, tweeting a homophobic/racist remark especially those that come from personalities that people look up to definitely creates more havoc. To put it simply, it’s rubbing salt to the wound.
Last May 17, we celebrated the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHO). Our local LGBT groups rallied to have their voice heard by the Commission of Human Rights concerning crimes towards members of the group.
The LGBT is not asking for special privileges. What are special privileges here anyway? We are simply asking to be accepted without any discrimination. With regards to marriage, I am personally supporting it because I believe that every individual should be able to marry the person they love. Genitals don’t get married, people do.
We may not yet have the same sex marriage here in the country yet. We can’t even have RH Bill! But I believe that eventually we would be able to address it. Just one step at a time and who knows?
And to everyone else who believes in Christ, well I don’t have anything against him. I think he’s a cool guy. Google Matthew 22:36-40. I think we should have the New one rather than presenting Leviticus every now and then, Christ is way better.
Long Live LGBT!
