As we move closer to the upcoming 2012 United States presidential election, it is abundantly evident that some conservative contenders are going to rely upon the clichéd antics of bashing homosexuals. Not only will these efforts prove futile and demeaning, they will also cause a firestorm among liberals, as well as gays and lesbians.
One obnoxious example of this was recently brought to us by Herman Cain, who nailed his campaign’s coffin shut by telling CBS News’ Brian Montopoli:
"I believe homosexuality is a sin because I'm a Bible-believing Christian, I believe it's a sin," he said. "But I know that some people make that choice. That's their choice."
When I first stumbled upon this ludicrous statement – which, in all fairness, Cain is entitled to freely express – the words which came to my mind were certainly not appropriate for this column. More composed now, I wish to express my thoughts on this very serious matter.
Memo to Mr. Herman Cain, Failed Wannabe Candidate for President, 2012: I am also a Bible-believing Christian that just so happens to be gay. From appearances, you are not a homosexual; therefore, sir, you are not in a qualified position to assess how someone like me feels.
Cain’s statement is akin to him telling a woman she chooses to have a menstrual cycle; the absurdity of such lunacy cannot be understated at all.
It is also sad that in order to get ahead, some GOP candidates feel as if they must belittle homosexuals. The fact is that this modus operandi will not work, because it is not 2004 anymore; Americans, especially those on the moderate right, have come a very long way since then.
As a gay man that is surrounded by straight people, I believe I can offer one perspective that both sides of the aisle can appreciate: my sexuality is not a choice, it is what it is. In the words of Lady Gaga, “I was born this way.”
While I happen to be more of an Independent Libertarian, many of my friends and family members lean Republican – in fact, my Dad watches Bill O’Reilly and Fox News every night – and guess what, when they learn of what Cain has said, they will be equally offended.
People seem to forget how difficult it is to be gay in America; as my friend Jonathan Lovitz from Setup Squad recently said, it’s as if we are second class citizens in this nation. Sure, our taxes are collected just the same, but when it comes to real matters such as our desire for lawful spiritual unions and general dignity within society, many people still want us to shut up and sit at the back of the bus.
Others want to reeducate us into mind-controlled “cured homosexuals” – a process so sadistically motivated, it often leads to horrible endings for its victims.
By the way, Herman Cain may be many things, be he certainly isn’t well-versed on the Bible. If he were, he’d recognize the foolishness of his campaign-derailing statement through the beautiful biblical example set by David and Jonathan.
Onward, Christian Soldiers…
Comments