I’m quite angry. I don’t like it when other people try to share a message of exclusion and hate (although they would disagree) through my blog.
In 2013, I shared the image above with the following comment
This is a very powerful image – thanks to The Other 98% (Facebook and webpage) for creating a great message about the human cost of seeing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people as the OTHER.
Today, Marilyn, added the following comment to my post.
Hi Graeme,
I have been reading posts regarding this topic and this post is one of the most interesting and informative one I have read. Thank you for this!
I can’t simply go without leaving a comment. This post is a great read. I hope you can take the time to read my post as well. [A link was provide here that I have deleted.]
Thanks,
I thought her comment was pretty strange because, while I love the graphic, it was quite over the top to call it “one of the most interesting and informative one I have read”. When I followed the link Marilyn provided it went to a blog post that was essentially saying that LGBTQ are “sinners,” are “sexually perverse” and practice “unnatural sex.” She went on to say that when Jesus comes again “His truth will end the bondage of sin” and nobody will be left behind as heaven comes to the world.
There can be little doubt that Marilyn’s comment about my post was not only misleading, but was quite untruthful. I do not believe that she thought my post is a great read (I mean I don’t think it is a good read, it was a great image but not a good read) and I’m sure she only left a comment in the hope that others would come and read her post. .In a way I think her deception on my blog gives an indication of how much we should trust her blog.
I must admit I feel sorry that people still feel so threatened by LGBTQIA people that they have to try to convince the world that they are sinful and unnatural. I’m sure Marilyn would say her post was full of love (because she was saying that LGBTQ will join god’s kingdom and won’t be left behind) but to me it was still part of a message of hate about people who are some people consider “different.” It is a message of hate because they are denying peoples’ identity, giving them hateful labels (like perverted and unnatural) and are judging people purely based on one characteristic.
I get so angry and frustrated by Christians who spread a message of fear and hate that is so different to the stories of love and acceptance I know about Jesus. Marilyn and people like her are not welcome to spread hate and exclusion on my blog.
If you liked this post please follow my blog, and you might like to look at:
- Why I voted YES in the same-sex marriage postal vote
- In some countries (and USA states) our marriage is illegal
- My response to the campaign against same-sex marriage
- 4 types of power: What are power over; power with; power to and power within?
- Straight to the pool room!
- 7 principles guiding my work
If you find any problems with the blog, (e.g., broken links or typos) I’d love to hear about them. You can either add a comment below or contact me via the Contact page.
Generally speaking, I have found in my personal years experience maintaining websites – some with available blog comments – that many comments are either bots or someone hired to post, often using complimentary language, designed to entice – the reader or site owner to click a link. Not certain if this was that – just saying. Responses are not always what they seem. Carry on Graeme, you’re doing great work. Alan
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Thanks Alan. Yes I often delete comments that are complimentary but obviously just promoting some sight – sometimes they are quite funny in what they compliment. But this one really annoyed me, which is probably silly.
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Good call. Dialogue is one thing, but you have no obligation to host views hurtful to people or counter the goals of your work.
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Dear Graeme,
Good on you! I think you’re doing great work and I really enjoy your blogposts and progressive analysis. Thank you.
In solidarity, Tina Lathouras
Regards, Tina
Athena (Tina) Lathouras, PhD
Senior Lecturer in Social Work
School of Law and Society
University of the Sunshine Coast
Maroochydore BC Qld 4558
Email: tlathouras@usc.edu.au Web: usc.edu.au
Ph (direct): 07 5456 5941
Mob: 0413 738 623
Office D1.16 at the Sippy Downs Campus
Most recent publications:
Lathouras, A 2020, ‘A Critical-Relational Approach to Community Development that increases Well-being, Learning Outcomes and Retention of International Students’, in G. Crimmins (ed.), Strategies for Supporting Inclusion and Diversity in the Academy: Higher Education, Aspiration and Inequality, Palgrave MacMillan.
Westoby, P, Palmer, D & Lathouras, A 2020, 40 Critical Thinkers in Community Development, Practical Action Publishing.
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