By Wylliam Smith
I came out to my mother over winter break. On the ride back home from Iowa to Michigan, I told her that I was bisexual.
She told me the classic mother trope. “I always kind of knew,” and, “you know I love you no matter what.” Before I go on, I’d just like to say that I love her for accepting me as I am.
I am also a Christian. These two communities, the LGBTQ+ community and the Christian community, have always bumped heads in the past. I personally feel that this is sad and extremely hypocritical, when both factions state that they are all inclusive.
Thankfully, the University of Iowa campus is full of different student organizations that offer safe places for students who need them, places where students can go and not be ridiculed by others. Well, at least that’s what we’re told.
The UI media were alight with the face of sophomore Marcus Miller last week when he made a discrimination complaint with the UI Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity on Feb. 20. Miller filed the complaint after he was told he could not become a leader at the Christian student organization 24/7 because he was gay.
“They had initially said we’d love to have you as a leader,” Marcus said. “But once I told them [about my sexuality] they rescinded the offers.”
Miller had been a member of 24/7 for a year and had many friends there, but he would not be allowed to be a leader if he said he was gay. Instead, Miller said 24/7 told him he must opt to say that he is “struggling with same-sex attraction.”
Besides this phrase being a mouthful, this phrase also implies that being gay is an addiction and a negative one at that. This phrase implies that being gay is not a way of living and loving but instead a harmful drug. Something comparable to lust or something that can be overcome.
“I didn’t think that [my sexuality] would be a factor in this decision,” Miller said. “But it ultimately was the deciding factor.”
I just want to let people know that it is possible to be in both groups; it’s not one or the other. And if you feel uncomfortable talking about your situation, there is a safe place specifically for LGBTQ+ Christians.
Miller has started a new student organization that is completely inclusive called Love Works. Miller says the student organization is open to everyone and will not discriminate based on one’s sexuality.
This is a world of labels. Liberal and conservative, black and white, straight and gay, atheist and religious individuals. I have always believed people should live outside of labels, because labels limit us, they put us into boxes, turn us into stereotypes.
For me I feel I will always be a Christian, and I will always be bisexual, so I feel the line between the two isn’t as straight as it’s perceived. Pun intended.