The Last Night - Video

This is a video made by Inger and Philippa on their last night together before Philippa had to return to the United Kingdom. The sound is rough because they had a fan running in the background and sound perfection was not what was on their mind I assure you. I have shared their story twice in two different stories on this blog because these two ladies inspire me with their love, faith, courage, and their tenacity to get things changed.

A Love Story

I Am My Beloved's and My Beloved is Mine

Under the video is the transcript of what Inger is saying. I hope you will take the time to watch the video and try the understand the pain they are going through as they speak from the heart.

Inger speaking:

Hi everyone, this is Inger and Philippa here, and we said we'd make a video and so we are. It is the last full night we will spend together for god knows how long and I for one am not coping. I don't want this. I need everybody out there to realize that this is wrong. You all need to vote, talk to your congress people, your senators. I'm not going to give you a sermon, but it is so hard to know, that...uh...the life we share together is on the whim of a government that doesn't even know we exist.

Philippa had difficulty coming in through immigration and the U. S. border control, she was interviewed twice and got her documents taken off her which means that after waiting six and one half months the likelihood of her coming in in the next year seems pretty slim, unless there are some changes made.

We've had a good three weeks, it's been really wistful, but we've had some great times, a lot of smiles but now we are down to the wire she's going to leave tomorrow evening and my heart's breaking. I don't want to keep doing this.... but I will. I'll wait as long as I have to to be with my family. But...for those of you who are with the ones you love...treasure every minute you have. And for those of you in our same situation, contact me. We have to figure out a way to change things...this can't keep happening.

If you are in a bi-national couple, it's worth it. It's hard, God I know it's hard, living on phone calls and living on web cam and living on letters and packages, planning the occasional trip, it's difficult, but it beats a half life of living alone or settling for something other than true love. That's my sermon.

Hi Jo! I was promised..I promised that, uh, I'd say that.

(to Philippa) Anything you wanna say? Talk to the nice people (Philippa shakes her head no and continues crying) (Inger cont) We love all of you and we are so grateful for your support, and uh, we'd be in much worse shape if we didn't have....(turning to Philippa) I love you so much...(Philippa replies, "I love you") (facing forward) and I don't ever want to be without her. (crying)

We need to change the world and we can't do it alone, I can't do it alone, but I'm going to do everything I can. And if any of you know how to contact the people at Logos and get them interested so we can get the word out contact me on face book, on email, I'll give you my phone number, I don't care...SOMEBODY has to make a big deal out of this...people have to know!

I spent two days at Pride talking to hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of people and ... I would say seventy- five percent of them had no idea, and there were a few bi-national couples who I met who were either they couldn't make it, they couldn't last because it's so hard...or...they've gone the other way and are just flying under the wire and I don't want to do either of those things. I want to do it right. I want to have this woman by my side, show the world that I love her...(dog whining in background) And our pug (turning away) (laughs) wants you to know that he loves his mommy and he wants her to stay with us (Oscar the pug barks in agreement) and it's just not right. (Oscar continues to whine and Philippa and Inger turn away and back again and laugh) (Inger sniffling)

We haven't been moping the whole time but this is to be expected and so we are doing this tonight because I will be moderately hysterical tomorrow (fake smile) and uh...(dog barking) not be able to explain what I'm feeling. It's this tight wad of anger and sadness that I'm feeling .... (breathes big sigh) I don't know what to do...so...anyone out there who can figure it out and help me out ...help us out...I'd truly appreciate it. (turning to Philippa) I get it all? (Philippa nods) (turns back to the cam) We love all of you ...and we're glad to have you in our lives (crying) I don't know what to tell you but thank you for everything (shakes head) we're gonna ask for more so you might as well help us so we'll shut up. (voice breaking) Take care, all of you. Night. (cries and can't continue)

Love Forbidden

Love Forbidden

I am so honored to include in my blog the following story of two women who want nothing more than to be able to be with each other, support each other, love each other, and hold each other.  They have asked to remain as anonymous as possible, and I will respect that.  Thank you for allowing me to include your story in my blog.  I am humbled, honored, and grateful.

Note: UAFA = Uniting American Families Act

DOMA = Defense of Marriage Act

 

 

I first met CJ online through some mutual friends on Twitter and very quickly found myself interested in knowing more about her. Just from Twitter conversations I could see that she was intelligent, funny, and very passionate about the things that are important to her. One day CJ asked me to join her and a couple of others on a Skype call. The first time I heard her voice I melted and now, after a year, it still has that same effect on me. We grew closer and soon we were talking through Skype on our cell phones at least three times a day; morning, noon and night. We found that we are alike in many ways, enjoy most of the same things, yet we are different in ways that complement each other. 

She flew to North Carolina from the UK to visit for the first time last August. It was after that visit that I knew without a doubt that she is the woman of my dreams. When we are together, everything feels so right. When we are apart, it is quite honestly very painful. I suffer from migraines and when CJ isn’t here, I get them weekly; sometimes twice a week. When we are together I rarely get one. Every day that we are apart feels like a day wasted; a day that I should have been able to spend with the one I love; a day that I can’t get back. 

Right now we should be happy. We shouldn't be sad and hurt from being forced to live apart. We shouldn't be worrying about how and when we can be together. For as long as I can remember I've had this image in my mind of the perfect woman for me. I had given up hope that she existed. But she does, and we finally found each other. Problem is, she’s not a US citizen and the US government doesn’t recognize our relationship. I may be forced to choose between my family and a good job I’ve held for 21 years or the love of my life.

 

T and I met online. At the start of 2010 we were both going through very difficult relationship breakups. We began Skyping and soon became to rely on each other for support. We felt like soul mates from the start. We just clicked. I think I realized about a month or so into our friendship that I was falling in love with her.

Early last spring, we had planned for me to go over to the US in November for a month. But by May, November seemed so far away that we brought it forward to August. I spent a little over four weeks in NC and during that time I knew I was in love and never wanted to leave her. But I had to. There were nights while she slept I would lay awake crying. Being there, with her, felt so right, so perfect. The parting at the airport is the most unbearable heartache, like someone is standing on you and trying to crush your chest. I blame the US officials who have passed laws that suppress our freedom to love.

I went back out for three weeks over Christmas and New Year and T is planning on coming to the UK in April for two weeks. That was going to be the next time we saw each other. Then I was in a cycling accident in February and had to take time off work. I was hurting, and I just needed to be with my girl so I flew out for a week and a half. Everything was fine except the interrogation by immigration because I'd only left the US seven weeks earlier. I wanted to scream at her, “I'm in pain. I just want to be with my partner. Is that too much to ask?” but I couldn't. Why do we have to feel like criminals just because we are in love with a US citizen? This is what the US government is doing. It’s punishing it's own citizens for having fallen in love with someone from another country. It is a clear case of the government saying who its citizens can and cannot love.

T is the most loving, caring, kind hearted, generous person I have ever met. She makes me feel invincible. If I'm stressed, angry or upset, just talking to her calms me down and puts me back in my happy place. This relationship should not have to be lived primarily over Skype. I get stressed if I have to go a whole work day, for whatever reason, without hearing her voice. I miss her so, so much. We should be able to wake up together and help each other start the day, which in turn would make for a more productive workforce. I want to be there in the evening of the day for each other, to moan about the crap life throws at us, and to enjoy the good times. I want to be supportive in the build up to job interviews and celebrate promotions and to be together at such times when extended family needs us. It hurts to know that many couples take having a beer on the deck in the yard on a Friday night or arguing about what to watch on TV for granted. We do not even have those “luxuries”. To be separated by law is a crime, pure and simple.

T could move over here (UK), and I could sponsor her without any problems. However; unlike me, she has an elderly mother and very close family ties. How could I ask her to leave? That is not an option. We may relocate to Canada where it would be closer for her to fly to NC on a regular basis. That would be another loss to the US. She's a highly skilled IT worker. How many skilled workers does the US want to lose? Until UAFA is passed or DOMA repealed, it seems like the officials don't care. As for me, I have a Masters degree, am self employed and have no criminal record.

 
I know our relationship is less than a year old and some people have suffered this injustice for much longer. I hope that it really is the dawn of a new era and that all loving couples can be together. I am certain there is only one woman with whom I want to spend the rest of my life, but she is 4,000 miles away in one of the most powerful, but frustrating, democracies in the world. Don't let it become the most backward looking. Please, repeal DOMA or at least pass UAFA in the meantime.

Sodom and Gomorrah All Over Again???

Joe Rodriguez was discharged from the Navy under the DADT law, but not before he was drugged, attacked and raped. He is a wonderful example for those young people who are being bullied because of their sexuality. For those who are stuggling with their sexuality he is an example of strength. We in the LBGT community can be very proud of him.

I would like to use this in another manner: I would like to use this as an example of what took place in Sodom and Gomorah. These men that attacked and raped Joe Rodriguez were doing it to punish him not because they were gay and wanted to have gay sex. It was mob mentality. This is exactly the same thing that expert theologians believe took place in Sodom and Gomorrah.

The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were having problems with spies from other countries infiltrating their cities. A common way to punish them was to treat them "like women" and rape them as if they were women.

This is for those of you who still think God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah because of homosexuality. Look beyond what you have been told and investigate for yourself. Before you say "Amen" when you go to sleep at night ask God to show you the truth.

We who are in a same sex relationship are not living in sin because of that relationship. We are not evil and an abomination to God. I ask you to continue to read this blog to see exactly what the Bible says about homosexuality and same sex relationships.

Joe Rodriguez was discharged under DADT. I know it may be tough to be a young gay person. I know it’s hard to have to hide your true essence and live a happy childhood and be who you really are. I understand it’s hard to have to hide in front of family and friends as you grow up to be the man or woman God brought into this world. I ask you to keep faith and not give in to all the bullying and harassment.

I was once in the closet, just like you, and felt the pain and mental anguish of hiding who I really was until my 28th birthday last year.

I was raped by a group of men in June 2008 while I was still in the Navy. My fellow sailors then perceived me to be gay, and harassed me because of the rape at the hands of other men. They were right – I was a gay man, yet I did not deserve to be treated in a hateful manner. But I stood strong and I am winning the battle now. I ask you to do the same.

I understand how you feel, but I beg you to please not give up. Please stand strong and DEMAND EQUALITY. You are all God’s children and he loves us all!! You are beautiful to everyone. We are not different. We are just a little more special, because God made us special, with love, and with love to give. You are beautiful in my eyes and everyone’s eyes. LIVE WITH PRIDE AND LIVE IN YOUR TRUE ESSENCE! I love you all, and please don’t give up. You are the ones coming up in the world and we need a strong generation for years to come. We are not weak. So please, be patient and stand up with pride and fight for your equality!

Sincerely, US NAVY Gay Veteran Jose A. Rodriguez .

Let's Keep it Going, Let's Get This Done!

It has been a big couple of weeks in LGBT news. First of all, on March 16th the Respect for Marriage Act was introduced into Congress, both the Senate and House.

The 2011 bill was introduced by U.S. Representative Jerrold Nadler of New York on March 16, 2011, and had 108 original cosponsors. A U.S. Senate version was introduced by Dianne Feinstein of California on the same day and had 18 original cosponsors.

Next we had great news with bi-national same sex couples!

Paul Schindler with Gay City News:

It what appears to be the first such action of its type, an Immigration Judge in Manhattan has adjourned deportation proceedings for the Argentine lesbian spouse of an American citizen to allow the couple to proceed with their application to have their marriage recognized for purposes of federal immigration law.

Monica Alcota, 35, who came to the US a decade ago, married her partner of nearly three years, 25-year-old Cristina Ojeda, last August in Connecticut.

The couple’s attorneys, Lavi Soloway and Noemi Masliah, argue that their clients’ marital status should qualify Alcota for permanent residency, as would be the case with any different-sex couple.

A 2010 US court ruling striking down the Defense of Marriage Act’s denial of federal recognition for legal same-sex marriages, they say –– coupled with the Justice Department’s recent decision that it could not and would not defend DOMA’s constitutionality on that point –– opens up the real possibility that Alcota and Ojeda may be accorded recognition.

In a March 22 hearing in the US courthouse at 26 Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan, Immigration Judge Terry A. Bain gave the couple the go-ahead to press their claim with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) –– a unit of the Department of Homeland Security –– through what is known as Form I-130, a petition to have Alcota recognized as “the spouse of USC.”

For now, the couple’s case has been adjourned until December, a decision supported by the government's attorney.

“It is almost impossible to overstate the significance of what happened in there,” Soloway said immediately after the hearing. “An adjournment based on an I-130. It would never have happened a year ago. I don’t think I even would have filed it.”
Describing the development as “huge,” Soloway also credited Bain with being “very kind, very generous” in her handling of the case.

Judy Rickard released her book about several Bi-national same sex couples.  Featured in this book are several stories of bi-national same sex couples painfully true stories of separation including a couple whom I have had the privileged of putting their story on my blog :  Inger and Philippa

When purchasing this book, part of the monies will be donated to an LBGT group of your choice.  I have provided a link to this book for those who wish to purchase it, just click on the picture of the book. 

What does all of this mean for us as same sex bi-national couples?  It is the most hope that we have had in years.  We need to take action.  We need to write, text, tweet, fax, Facebook all of our Congress people.  We need to remind them that the last time the Respect for Marriage Act was introduced into Congress, it died in the Judiciary Committee.  It is our job, it is our right, it is our place to make sure that the Congress hears from us so often, so much that they know where our hearts are.  We need to get the Uniting American Families Act introduced into Congress and passed.

The Raw Story's David Edwards reported on March 23rd the following story:

Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) is fighting for the rights of bi-national gay and lesbian couples who could otherwise be torn apart by deportation proceedings. Nadler Communication Director Ilan Kayatsky told Raw Story Wednesday that the congressman was planning on re-introducing the Uniting American Families Act -- legislation that aims to provide immigration equality to bi-national same sex couples.

Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) is fighting for the rights of bi-national gay and lesbian couples who could otherwise be torn apart by deportation proceedings.
Nadler Communication Director Ilan Kayatsky told Raw Story Wednesday that the congressman was planning on re-introducing the Uniting American Families Act -- legislation that aims to provide immigration equality to bi-national same sex couples.
News of Nadler's plan comes a day after Immigration Judge Terry A. Bain halted deportation proceedings against Monica Alcota, a citizen of Argentina, while her wife, Cristina Ojeda, moves forward with a green card petition on her behalf.
It was the first time a married same sex couple had successfully argued that a pending deportation should be halted based on the Obama administration's decision to no longer defend the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).
"In light of these developments, Judge Bain's decision to stop deportation proceedings and allow Monica Alcota and Cristina Ojeda to seek recognition of their marriage was the right, necessary, and just thing to do," Nadler said Wednesday.
"Our immigration laws protect families by allowing spouses of United States citizens to remain in the country. No family or committed couple should be needlessly torn apart while we work to bring a final end to this shameful law," he added.
Kayatsky said that Nadler had been introducing related legislation for over ten years.
"He got interested a while back when he found out about and met couples who fell into that category -- one partner was from another country and because they were barred from being legally married, they could not sponsor the foreign partner for immigration purposes just like straight couples can," he explained.
"It struck him as a gratuitously cruel and unnecessary part immigration law -- something that probably wasn't foreseen when the immigration laws were being drafted and that really served no purpose in federal law. It simply discriminated against gay and lesbian couples and punished families and committed couples, which is precisely the opposite of how federal law should be envisioned."
With the administration's decision to no longer defend DOMA, Nadler anticipates even more challenges to deportation proceedings, Kayatsky said.
"There's a big chink in the wall now that the court has declared DOMA is unconstitutional and the Department of Justice has agreed," he continued.
"For the congressman and for people on this side, it's really disappointing that Republican leaders of the House rushed into the matter, announcing their intention to defend DOMA in court... and they did so without really taking a fresh look at the facts," Kayatsky added.
Nadler has already re-introduced the Respect for Marriage Act -- to completely undo DOMA. Kayatsky expected him to re-introduce the Uniting American Families Act "soon."

Next, on the 24th of March, we learned that supporters of repealing the Defense of Marriage Act are calling on the Senate to hold hearings on the impact the denial of the federal benefits and responsibilities of marriage is having on married same-sex couples throughout the United States.

All of this is a lot to take in as it has all happened in the last few weeks.  Right now we need to keep the momentum going.  If you do not know how, I will post links at the bottom of this page of who to contact for information on how you can become involved in making our voices heard in Congress.  Let's Get this DONE!! 


GLAA - Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance

 Equality Matters

Fight Out Loud

World Wide Pride

Act on Principles

Get Equal

Freedom to Marry

Out For Immigration

Stop the Deportations

HumanRightsCampaign

Immigration Equality

Respect for Marriage Act

What does this mean for bi-national same sex couples? Currently, it means nothing because these bills are now in committee. Unless, we can get them out of committee and back to the floor of Congress to be voted on, they will be buried in the House and Senate Judiciary Committees.

More than ever before, we need to contact our Congress members and let them know that either we need the Respect for Marriage Act passed or we need the Uniting American Families Act passed. We need to get this done. As you probably know, if you are reading my blog, Same sex bi-national couples are a minority of a minority. We need to speak up and we need to be heard. If you have not yet contacted your Congress members, you need to do so, please.

Below is the introduction of the bill into the Senate taken from Dianne Fienstien's page.

The Respect for Marriage Act would repeal DOMA and restore the rights of all lawfully married couples – including tens of thousands of same-sex couples – to receive the benefits of marriage under federal law.

Under current law, legally married, same-sex couples cannot take advantage of federal protections available to every other married couple in this country. These couples cannot:

File joint federal income taxes and claim certain deductions;

Receive spousal benefits under Social Security;

Take unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act when a loved one falls seriously ill;

Obtain the protections of the estate tax when one spouse passes and wants to leave his or her possessions to another.

“There are tens of thousands of legally married same-sex couples in the United States, and more than 18,000 in my home state of California alone,” said Senator Dianne Feinstein. “These couples live their lives like all married people; they share the bills, they raise children together, and they care for each other in good times and bad, in sickness and in health, until death do they part. But because of DOMA, they have been denied federal protections. It is time to right this wrong. This bill will ensure that all married couples in the United States enjoy equal protection of our laws.”

“The time has come for the federal government to recognize that every American family deserves all of the legal protections afforded to couples who are married under state law,” said Senator Patrick Leahy. “I am proud to say that Vermont has led the nation in marriage equality. I do not want Vermonters, or people in any other state where same-sex marriage is recognized, to be harmed by the continuing effect of DOMA. This is a question of basic civil rights.”

“Every loving, committed couple deserves the basic human right to get married, start a family, and have access to all the same rights and privileges that my husband and I enjoy,” Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said. “I look forward to the day when all states accept this basic principle of fairness. I will work with my Senate colleagues to end the discrimination currently enshrined into US law and make marriage equality a reality for all.”

Senator Barbara Boxer said, “The Defense of Marriage Act has nothing to do with defending marriage - all it does is discriminate against millions of Americans by denying them equal treatment under the law. It is long past time that we repealed this unjust law and started treating all our families with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

“Repealing DOMA is imperative to basic rights for our families, friends, and neighbors. DOMA is an unjust, discriminatory law that denies millions of Americans full federal benefits and protections,” said Senator Richard Blumenthal.

“As residents of states across our country gain marriage equality without regard to sexual orientation, our federal government continues to treat their marriages as invalid. It’s long past time we end federal discrimination against state-recognized marriages between same-sex couples,” said Senator Chris Coons. “Passing the Respect for Marriage Act now – in this Congress – respects states' rights, respects civil rights, and for the first time allows same-sex couples to experience true marriage equality in states that recognize it.”

“I’m proud to stand with Senator Feinstein, Members of the Senate and families around the country as we fight to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act,” Senator Dick Durbin said. “This law discriminates against loving families in every state in the union and it’s long past time we correct the mistake Congress made by passing this law more than a decade ago. I hope my colleagues join us as we fight to ensure all families are not only treated fairly but with dignity and respect.”

“DOMA was wrong and unconstitutional when I voted against it fifteen years ago, in 1996, and it’s equally wrong and unconstitutional today. This discriminatory law treats loving, committed same-sex couples like second-class citizens by denying them thousands of federal benefits. It’s overdue for Congress to ease the pain that Congress caused in the first place,” Senator John Kerry said. “America has undergone a transformation on these issues since 1996, and the law should reflect the reality of where we are now as a country. We need to put an end to this discrimination by putting an end to the Defense of Marriage Act.”

“Equality under the law is a bedrock American principle,” said Senator Jeff Merkley. “It is long past time to end this destructive law that says one class of Americans is not deserving of the same rights as others. From the abolition of slavery to women’s suffrage, from tearing down ‘No Irish Need Apply’ signs to the ADA, our history has been marked by efforts to live up to our Constitution’s ideals of equality. This bill is a critical step in that journey.”

“I am proud to stand with so many of my colleagues as we fight to end this fourteen-year-old policy and make sure all married couples are treated equally in the eyes of the federal government,” said Senator Patty Murray. “I strongly supported President Obama’s decision to stop defending DOMA in court. And now it’s time that we take another step forward and fully repeal this law.”

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse said, “DOMA is a hurtful and unjust law that should be repealed. For thousands of hardworking citizens like Pat Baker, a Rhode Islander who is battling not only lung cancer, but a system that denies her the right to pass her survivor benefits to her wife, it is time for this policy to end.”

“For far too long, Minnesota’s same-sex couples have lived without many of the basic rights afforded to opposite-sex married couples,” said Senator Al Franken. “The Defense of Marriage Act is discriminatory and unconstitutional, and it’s important that we repeal it.”

“As I have long said, if you don’t like gay marriage, don’t get one,” said Senator Ron Wyden. “I believe Americans are going to look back at the Defense of Marriage Act with universal embarrassment as every day that we deny citizens equal rights in this country is a day that diminishes all Americans. I’m proud to be part of an effort that puts this Congress on the right side of history.”

Senator Frank Lautenberg said, “The Defense of Marriage Act has become indefensible and must be repealed. The Respect for Marriage Act would get rid of this outdated law and allow all couples to receive the same benefits and protections from the federal government when they marry.”

Joining Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) are co-sponsors: Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), John Kerry (D-Mass.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Frank R. Lautenberg (D-N.J.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), Mark Udall (D-Colo.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Dan Inouye (D-Hawaii), and Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii).

The Bible Says - Homosexuality

Homosexuality

What does the Bible Say?

Each and Every Verse the Text and the Context

The Culture and the History of the Time

(There are only six by the way)

 

Let's start with the big one:  Leviticus 18:22    Do not lie with men as you would with women.

Leviticus 20:13     If a man also lie with mankind as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood be upon them

In order to understand these verses, one must understand the culture of the time.  In reading the entire chapters, we are told three different times that they were being forbidden to live as the Egyptians and the Canaanites.  Biblical historians will tell you that the Cannanite religion during this time also included sexual rites.  These were done to ask for the blessings of their god.  These sexual rites included whole families; Husbands, wives, cousins, mothers, daughters, nieces and nephews.  Also included in the rites were temple prostitutes.  Every kind of sexual practice was going on when worshiping these gods during this time including homosexual sex.  They felt that having physical contact with the priests of the gods and goddesses would bring them blessings.  Sexual intercourse was felt to gain great favor of the goddess because the male was offering his semen, thought to be the essence of life, to the goddess through the priest.  Depositing semen in the body of the priest was believed to be the way to eternal life.  Similar practices went on during this time in history through out the religion in worship of pagan deities.This is what was going on in Canaan and Egypt at the time the Levitical rules were announced --homosexual temple prostitution. And as already noted, Leviticus 18 and 20 specifically say that they were written to address pagan religious practices.

Leviticus 18 begins (18:3)  You shall not do as they do in the land of Egypt, where you lived, and you shall not do as they do in the land of Canaan where I am bringing you...

Leviticus 20 is even more specific even naming the pagan god Molech. 

So these verses which are quoted so often in condemnation of homosexuality, are actually in condemnation of idol, false god pagan practices.

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Sodom and Gomorah in Genesis 19 

For years, this has been used by people to condemn homosexuality.  Let's look at the story a little more closely.  The Bible says that all the men of the city every single one of them both young and old came to Lot's house.  This is very telling.  The most "gay" city in the United States is arguably San Fransisco.  Yet, in this very "gay" city, less than half of the men are gay.  It stands to reason that if the Bible was talking about homosexuals, perhaps it would have been worded that "certain men of the city" or even "many men of Sodom".  It is not.  It says that every single one of the men and boys .... all of them to the very last man came to Lot's house.  To suggest that every single man in Sodom and Gomorrah was a homosexual is simply not credible.  From where did the children come if this was so.  I believe that something other than homosexual desire was going on here.  This is further proved accurate by Lot himself.  He offers his daughters, his virgin daughters to the men of Sodom and Gomorrah.  If these men were truly homosexual, what was Lot trying to accomplish here.  Lot knew the men at his door and knew them to be predominately heterosexual (his actions are reprehensible) which is why he offered his daughters. 

From ancient records, we know that at the time, the practice of the people of Sodom and of all the people of the area was to use rape of men by men to humiliate them.  "When victorious soldiers wanted to break the spirit of their defeated enemies, they would 'treat them like women'".  This is a story of mob violence, not of homosexual desire. 

So if homosexuality was not the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah, what was it that caused God to rain fire and brimstone.  Well, once again, the Bible has the answers to this.  The Bible itself tells us that it was not homosexuality that caused God to destroy these two cities.  The Bible mentions Sodom and Gomorrah twenty times in later scriptures and NONE of them states that their sin was homosexuality.   In the book of Ezekiel we find probably the most extensive references to Sodom and Gomorrah.  Ezekiel 16:49 & 50  This was the guilt of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy.  They were haughty and did abominable things before me; therefore I removed them when I saw it.

According to the Old Testament prophets, the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah was the fact that they behaved with "callous indifference" to those in need-- the widows, orphans, poor and the strangers in their midst.  In truth, this story is at best a condemnation of homosexual rape; and as other Scriptures affirm, it is more generally a condemnation of the mistreatment of those who are most vulnerable ....  It is ironic that the story of Sodom is now used by Christians to justify judgement toward another vulnerable group -- homosexuals. [excerpt from The Children are Free by Rev. Jeff Miner and John Tyler Connoley]

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Romans 1:21-28

(King James Version)

 ²¹Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

 ²²Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

 ²³And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things.

 ²⁴Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves:

 ²⁵Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

 ²⁶For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

 ²⁷And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet.

 ²⁸And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

 

The apostle Paul is addressing the Roman people.  All accounts of this passage that I have studied (and there were a lot) agree on one thing.  Paul is talking to these people about idol worship.  God gives them over to their idol worship and the practice of homosexual relations in said pagan rituals.  That each of them agree upon.

 

1:24-25 The expression God gave them (parevdwken aujtouV" oJ qeov", paredoken autous ho theos) over means that the process envisioned in 1:18-32 is not simply the natural course of events but an ongoing history directed by a sovereign God who makes decisions which affect people, societies, and cultures. The thought is truly a frightful one. It is reminiscent of Pharaoh turning his back on God and in turn having his heart judicially hardened by YHWH (Exod 9:16; cf. Rom 9:17).

Though there is no mention of fire and brimstone at this point in Romans, there is a process underway that is not altogether distinct from hell. If people really want their sinful lifestyles, then the awesome reality is God will give them over to it. As C. S. Lewis as aptly remarked, “There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, ‘Thy will be done.’ All that are in hell chose it.” The point is, that although Paul is not talking about hell here, and indeed there is still hope for these people, there is nonetheless a continuum between their present existence and their future plight. If a person really wants God out of their thoughts, as these people most definitely do, Love has decided to provide a place in the end where they can choose to go and never have to think about him again.

There comes a time in the divine mind when people, who revel in the sinful desires of their hearts, are to be handed over to their desire for impurity, in particular, to the dishonoring (tou` ajtimavzesqai) of their bodies with one another. One should not miss the ideological connection here between the Gentiles’ idolatry and sexual sin—a connection which was commonly made in the Judaism of Paul’s day.

Wisdom of Solomon 14:12-14 reads: ¹²For the idea of making idols was the beginning of fornication, and the invention of them was the corruption of life; ¹³ for they did not exist from the beginning, nor will they last forever. ¹⁴ For through human vanity they entered the world, and therefore their speedy end has been planned (NRSV).

Though there is no explicit grammatical tie with verse 24, verse 25 makes it clear that sexual perversion is closely linked with idolatry. People have exchanged (methvllaxan, metellaxan) the truth about God’s existence and glory for the lie that he neither exists nor merits worship. Indeed, the irony of the whole thing is that they give religious worship and service to this lie (tw/` yeuvdei, to pseudei) when they give themselves to idolatry—the worship of the creation rather than the Creator. For idolatry is not just the worship of useless idols, it is the express proclamation that the biblical God does not exist. Such a thought is so abhorrent to Paul that he finds it necessary to invoke a blessing on God: “God is forever blessed!”

  Study By: Greg Herrick from Bible.org

 

The Apostle Paul was a very educated man.  He addressed the facts of the time in a very logical and throughal progression.

1.  In verse 21 he addresses People who refuse to acknowledge and glorify God

2.  In verse 23, they were worshipping idols

3  They were interested in earthly things rather than the things of the Creator (verse 25)

4.  Gave up natural passion for the opposite sex in an "unbounded search for pleasure"

5.  Lived lives full of covetousness, malice, envy, strife, slander, disrespect for parents, pride and hatred for God

The model of homosexual behavior that Paul is addressing here is explicitly associated with idol worship (probably temple prostitution), and with people who, in unbridled search for pleasure (or because of religious rituals associated with their idolatry), broke away from their natural sexual orientation, participating in promiscuous sex with anyone available.   Paul simply does not address the issue of a stable, loving homosexual relationship among people of faith.

[exerpt from The Children are Free by Rev. Jeff Miner and John Tyler Connoley]

 

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1 Corinthians 6:9-10 and I Timothy 1:10 (King James Version)

 ⁹Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

 ¹⁰Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Timothy 1:10 (King James Version)

 ¹⁰For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;

In the Greek effeminate is malakoi - according to several Greek translations this means soft.  Upon further study I discovered that it refers to being "soft like a woman."  When used in the context of morality, the following meanings could be put upon the word:  "Lazy, coward or lack of courage, over indulgence..."

From this perspective, Paul was condeming men who were vain fearful and self indulgent.  In another perspective, malakoi could possibly be speaking of a male prostitute who would have served as the receptive partner in sexual intercourse.

 

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Why Then Do So Many People Misinturpret The Bible's Meanings

For These Verses and Homosexuality

 

Well, quite frankly people don't have a vested interest in proving what centuries of people have said to be true...to prove them wrong.  It wasn't until gay and lesbian theologians and their friends were able to step out of the closet and practice as open and affirming people, that these passages were looked into more deeply and with much greater interest.  Thanks to efforts of these people we have a better understanding of the precise meaning of these passages.  The good news of the Bible is still for all because none of these passages condemn a loving same sex relationship.

 

 

 

 

 

What Are We Teaching Our Children

 

 

I am a mother. I have two young sons both under the age of ten. I see on the news tragic stories of children in gangs, children being snatched, children shooting children, children committing suicide and I wonder, how in the world do these things happen. How do these things come to be “normal”? How do we as a society get so apathetic to what is going on around us? What part have we played in making these horrific happenings a common place occurrence?

As parents, we need to be present in the lives of our children and teach them the values of morals, the values of being a good person, the values of the golden rule. How our children behave is a direct result of our teachings.

We also need to teach our children to be kind. I didn’t say to be weak or be a follower. I said teach our children kindness. Teach them not to laugh at the misfortunes of other children. Teach them to want to help others who need their help. The “golden rule” states to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

If we teach our children that others are inferior to us because of differences, we are teaching them that some people are superior to other people. This sounds like what Hitler was teaching the “Hitler Youth”. If we teach our children that people who believe differently than us are horrible and need to be changed then we are teaching that we must condemn others. We make ourselves the judge, the jury, and the executioner.

I am not saying that we should not teach our children between right and wrong, I am saying that we need to teach our children that people have differences and those differences need to be honored and respected.

I am trying to instill in my sons the ability to think on their own. I often tell my oldest that “people are sheep and will follow anything…” I tell him to learn to think on his own and to be a leader, a kind leader. He is but a child so I must temper that with my adult wisdom (this is why God gives us parents) To teach our children that we are superior than others is to raise a Hitler, Jim Jones, Phelps of the Westboro “Church”, Charles Manson, David Korsch ….these people were/are leaders who convince(d) people to follow their misguided teachings.

We, as parents are responsible to teach our children to be good citizens, good people, and honorable human beings.

 

 

 

A note to Christians:

I am a born again Christian

I believe in Heaven and Hell and teaching our

Children about the Lord Jesus Christ and that He

Died on the cross to save us from Hell. I believe in

Trinity and I believe that Jesus is coming again soon

To take us to Heaven to live with Him. I believe in

The Great Commission and telling others of the Lord’s love

And that there is judgment coming. I also believe that

God is the judge. Not me. Not my pastor. Not the

Church. To make blanket statements that God hates

A certain group of people is simply not Biblical. When

The Lord Jesus was here on this Earth, He spoke of

Heaven, He spoke of Hell, He spoke of the world to

Come. He got angry with the ruling religious body

Not “the Woman at the well”, not the “publicans and

Sinners”, not “the woman taken in adultery”, not the

Gay Centurion asking for Jesus to heal his “beloved male

Servant.” On the other hand, Jesus got angry with

The Pharisees more than once. He called the Scribes

And Pharisees hypocrites who on the outside looked

Wonderful, but on the inside were nothing but dead

Mans bones.

 

Never before has a group of people been so pushed away from

The cross by Christians as much as homosexual people.

 

So tell the world of God’s love and of the birth, death, and

Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, but do not condemn

people if they choose not to listen. That, my friend, is the

Job of God, the Father. If you are going to be a Christian

Please remember what the word actually means. The disciples

Were first called Christians at Antioch…why? Because they

So much like Christ. Please remember and apply that to your

Daily walk.

By the way, I am a lesbian.

Ruth and Naomi

Ruth 1:16 and 17 (King James Version)

16 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:
17 Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.

These are the words of a woman, Ruth. She is speaking to another woman, Naomi. These words are used a lot in heterosexual weddings because there is no mistaking their meaning. In verse 16 we learn the following:

1. Don’t ask me to leave you.
2. Where ever you go, that is where I am going
3. Where you live is where I am going to live
4. Your people are now my family
5. Your deepest beliefs on God and religion are now mine

But in verse 17 she even goes further. Ruth has already said beautiful words to Naomi, but now she wants to cement what she means and here is where she tells Naomi that where ever you are is “home”.

6. Where you die I am going to die
7. And there will I be buried.

Why is this so important? Ruth was telling Naomi we are together now in life and they would be buried together in the family graveyard. Without a doubt, this is a love story.

Eleven years ago, I got down on my knees and pledged my heart to my Sweet Love with the words of Ruth. She spoke the same back to me. There was no big band, there was no ceremony. We pledged out love to each other before each other and before God Almighty.

As a same sex couple we are in a huge fight to try and get the Defense of Marriage Act repealed. We are trying as a bi-national couple to get the Uniting American Families Act passed in Congress.

We don’t want to challenge anyone's beliefs. We don’t want special treatment. All my love and I want is to be able to live together as wife and wife.

Those who choose to stand in our way; I ask you am I a threat to your way of life? Am I a threat to your marriage? Do you even know me or my name? Exactly! Me marrying the person of my dreams will have zero effect on your “traditional” marriage.

A friend of mine posted this on face book and I told her I was going to use it in my blog:

So let me get this straight...Kelsey Grammer can end a 15 yr marriage by phone, Larry King can be on divorce #9, Britney Spears had a 55 hour marriage, Jesse James and Tiger Woods (while married) were having sex with EVERYONE, 53% of Americans get divorced and 30-60% cheat on their spouses. Yet, same-sex marriage is going to destroy the institution of marriage? Really

We just want the right to be able to be free in the land of the free. We want the right to pursue our happiness in America where this is an unalienable right.
This is the story of Naomi and Ruth. This is undeniably a love story between two women.