I saw this photo of a monumentous event. At a Gay Pride parade in Chicago, a group of Christians bravely stood up with/for their Gay and Lesbian brothers and sisters as they countered centuries of homophobia. Imagine the celebration that took place as those whose choice of who they love was disparaged at minimum, demonized at the extreme, read these signs. I got goosebumps at the possibility that all followers of Christ could choose to be Christ-like and refrain from judgement of those whose love-styles were different from their own. It in no way means that they all agree with the choices, just rising above condemnation.  I wonder what the heart of someone who selects hate and fear over love and acceptance, looks like. Anger and bigotry poisons the one holding it even more than the one to whom it is directed.

I am not a big tv watcher; usually my viewing takes place at the gym while on the ellipitical or gazelle machines. There is a show called “What Would You Do?” which is of the values clarification Candid Camera genre, hosted by John Quiñones. One episode involved a woman trying on a wedding gown.  She was a beautiful blonde (really an actor) who when wearing a gorgeous dress was being admired by the saleswoman (also an actor) who said something like “Oh, he’s just going to love seeing you come down the aisle. You look stunning.” The bride replied, “Not he….she. I’m marrying a woman.”  At that, the (seemingly) shocked saleswoman told her that she couldn’t possibly allow her to buy the fabric confection since it was appalling to her that she was a Lesbian. This scene was repeated several times and at one point the tearful woman was being pulled at as the saleswoman attempted to get her to take off the gown. Each time, the other customers were disgusted at the saleswoman’s reaction and comforted the bride and a few guided her out of the store and refused to shop there themselves. The most poignant was an African American mother and daughter who cried when witnessing the altercation and one of them said that this was equivalent of the racism that multi-cultural or bi-racial couples have faced. How relieved they all were, when John waltzed in and  it was revealed that it was staged for the camera. The sad part is how often this does happen in real life where same sex couples are not afforded the same right to marry. When I officiate at ceremonies, I consider them weddings; not commitment ceremonies as some refer to them. The only difference is that in most places, it is not yet state sanctioned.

Seeing this photo and watching that show have restored my sometimes wavering faith in humanity.

http://youtu.be/-z2LNsifEzg  Love’s In Need of Love by Stevie Wonder