Disclaimer: it is not my intention to offend anyone with this article. If you are perhaps offended by the ideas I present or the terms I use, I apologize. Once again, it is not my intention to offend anyone.

It may seem that way with all the ugly backlash you all receive from close-minded people, but the truth is, not all individuals who don’t support LGBT think of you all as less than human. Personally, some of the most amazing, most talented and most dedicated people I have had the pleasure of knowing are gay. I know people, family and friends, who don’t particularly agree with your lifestyle, but they don’t hate or discriminate. Being homosexual or transgender doesn’t limit what you can accomplish or contribute to this world. Some of the most famous, influential people, especially in the entertainment industry, are homosexual. Ellen DeGeneres is an American comedian, television host, and actress who has won several awards for her work in all those areas. Neil Patrick Harris, an actor, singer, magician, comedian, producer, and television host, was named as one of Time magazine’s most influential people in 2010. One thing I’ve noticed is that a lot of people who identify with LGBT are very steadfast and strong-willed. It seems once you set your minds to something, it is rather difficult to turn you away from your idea.

What particularly irks me is when people who claim to be Christian say that God hates the LGBT community and that you’re going to hell. Those people are in no position to determine who goes to hell, because the Bible says that all judgement should be left to God, and we have no right to judge others. “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.” (Matthew 7:1-2). Yes, we have the right to believe whatever we want to, but we have no permission to enforce any laws of our own or restrict anybody’s actions solely based on the fact that they identify with LGBT. Using the Bible and religious beliefs as a means to justify hurting others is one the most hypocritical things a person can do. Once a person claims to be a follower of Christ, they need to love anyone and everyone equally, and not think of themselves any better than anyone, or think lowly of anyone. Your community is much more accepting and loving of everyone, no matter their circumstance. In fact, it seems that you are much better than the people who condemn you to hell on their own bases and claim the name of Christ.

You have every right to be happy and live a normal life. Finding love is a good thing, and if you are a woman who so happens to find love with another woman or a man who finds love with another man, or a transgender who has found the love of his or her life, then so be it. No one is in any position to take that away from you.

No I am not glorifying you or trying to portray you as better than everyone else. My main point is, in fact, that you are just like everyone else. You have your faults and weaknesses, but you also have your strengths. You deserve to be respected like the people you are, not judged or poorly treated by some close-minded bigots who think they are better than you.