Looking at Indiana's Religious Freedom Act From the Perspective of an LGBT Student | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Looking at Indiana's Religious Freedom Act From the Perspective of an LGBT Student

RFRA, that's all.

Charles Binion
Mar 30, 2015
Ball State University
8
Looking at Indiana's Religious Freedom Act From the Perspective of an LGBT Student

I'm pissed.

I have never been so ashamed to be a Hoosier. A state that is so beautiful and in my eyes, perfect. Waking up to hear that this horrific act was passed was beyond disappointing and upsetting. Indiana has made such strides for the LGBTQ community, such as gay marriage being accepted. However, now Mike Pence believes that he can take a simple freedom away such as even being served in a restaurant?

I take this act extremely personally not only because I am homosexual, but also because I work at an affluent restaurant in my community. I am concerned that a customer could ask for me not to serve them, and I cannot do anything because of this act.

It concerns me as well for the closeted members of the LGBTQ community who will not feel comfortable in their own skin and could possibly self-hurt, or try to conceal their true beauty. I believe that the bullying rate could increase, and many more questioning teenagers would feel as though they can't live out their sexuality. I was extremely fortunate because I was able to come out and be accepted by all of my family and peers. However, with RFRA being enacted, that freedom and feeling of acceptance could be whisked away just as quickly.

I do not understand how such a powerful governor like Mike Pence would make such a questionable act. I understand that it is supposed to be more of a religious act, but it also interferes with my lifestyle as well as many Hoosiers lifestyles. It's extremely disappointing that a place that I have always found home is in such turmoil. This story has appeared on CNN, Fox News, and even celebrities have taken their stance on Indiana's law. It's extremely embarrassing that our state would propose such a law and violate so many citizens.

I am extremely proud of who I am and will never stop fighting for equality and for the rights of the LGBTQ community. That is why I signed the petition against this bill, in hopes of getting it impeached. I want to be able to live comfortably in my home state and hopefully invite all of my friends and family to my wedding, HERE in Indiana. If not, I do not know what my future holds, but it could potentially moving to another state. I will fight against this act for as long as it's enacted, and I hope you will join me in aking a stand as well.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Lifestyle

10 Signs You Work In A Restaurant

There's always chaos in the restaurant business.

University of Akron
80
10 Signs You Work In A Restaurant
Brisanis

Working in the restaurant industry is possibly the most fundamentally challenging occupation I have ever experienced when it comes to hospitality and customer service. When you go to a five-star restaurant you expect the time of your life, a two hour getaway, a walk through another time period (rustic Italy, France, Spain, etc), or simply a honeymoon undergo. What you don't see are the behind the scenes scut work: carrying trays, polishing glassware and silverware, kitchen chaos, the list is endless. Now, I'm not saying being a host, server, or bartender is the worst thing in the whole wide world, there are definitely worse things. But the fact of the matter is that it isn't always sunshine and rainbows. In the two years that I have spent in restaurant and customer service, I have spoken my share of expletives, yelled at kitchen staff, and dealt with not-so-happy guests. It isn't easy to keep a bright and shiny smile on your face when all you want to do is choke every person who walks near you. Anyone who has spent even two weeks working in a restaurant understands the rigor and stress that comes with it. Restaurant culture is a tiny world in and of itself that operates on its own principles and creates its own society. It even has its own language. The sayings "runner", "corner", and "on a bus" wouldn't make sense to anyone otherwise. My mother and I both work in a restaurant and the best advice I can give someone going out to eat is to treat us like people. Yes...believe it or not we are people, people. Say "please" and "thank you", or stack your cleared plates before a busser gets to the table. Trust me, the gesture goes a lot farther than you may think.

So, if you work in a restaurant, you can relate with the following points. If not, check out how the brain of a restaurant service (or any customer service) worker actually works. See if you can identify any crazy weird habits your friends have a tendency to partake in.

Keep Reading...Show less
restaurant life
Adulting

11 Things I Learned My Freshman Year of College

Not everything you learn in college can be found in a textbook.

South Dakota State University
105
Breanna Vogel
Breanna Vogel

One of the scariest things we will ever face in our life is going to college. Many of us move away to a new town, join new organizations, and make new friends. We are expected to study, have a social life, relationships, maybe work, and be healthy. It seems pretty easy to do, and in high school all we wanted to do was graduate and move on to this next chapter of our lives. If you are in high school, here are some things that you can learn from before you get to college. If you have already been through your freshman year of college, hopefully you can relate to the things I have learned in college.

Keep Reading...Show less
college tips
Entertainment

11 Shows To Binge Watch Over The Holiday Break

Let's start binging!

Oakland University
39
how to get away with murder
Tumblr

It's about that time where we are too tired to do anything productive, too cold to leave bed, and too lazy to find a new show to watch so we result to re-runs.

For all of you home-bodies, for all of you cold weather haters, here are my suggestions for this holiday break. Let the binging begin!

Keep Reading...Show less
binge watch
Relationships

12 Long-Term Relationship Milestones

You've got a keeper if you've made it to any of these milestones.

University of Iowa
541
couple on the beach
Pexels

You've been together for so long. It's great. And as the time spent in your relationship grows, you hit certain milestones where you know it's real. These can be make-or-break moments, or just little things where you finally realize that you're both doing it. Everybody hits these milestones, no matter how long it takes; they're inevitable.

You know you've made it when you hit these long-term relationship milestones.

Keep Reading...Show less
long-term relationship
Entertainment

10 Of The Best Shows To Binge Watch Over Winter Break

You've got a busy break ahead of you.

Holy Family University
1643
10 Of The Best Shows To Binge Watch Over Winter Break

As the semester is coming to an end, most of us are going to have more free time on our hands. This calls for binge watching a new show on Netflix and really using this break to relax from the stress of school. Here are some of the best shows on Netflix that you should be watching.

Keep Reading...Show less
binge watch

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments