Due to the recent shooting in Orlando, it’s hard not to be angry. It’s hard not to be confused, and it’s hard to not question. One of the biggest things that has me questioning is how anyone could be against another human being having a happy life.
I grew up in a pretty religious family. My family went to church on every Sunday, and every holy day, and every holiday. I was taught the rules of the Bible, and the Ten Commandments, and I was taught what was right and what was wrong. I was also taught, by my family, that you should be tolerant and accepting of everyone. Not just of the people who agreed with you, or who believed the same things as you do, but everyone.
One of the biggest lessons my mom taught me and my siblings day to day (and still does to this day) is to “Treat others the way you want to be treated.” And that’s why the discrimination or attack on anyone, no matter their religion, skin color, or sexual orientation, absolutely breaks my heart. It makes not one ounce of sense to me as to why it would bother someone that another person is doing what makes them happy.
I’ve come across a lot of people in my life. I have a big family, I’ve made a lot of friends and acquaintances throughout my 21 years on this earth. And while sometimes I don’t always agree with someone, or I have different values and beliefs than them, I have never once thought that their opinions and thoughts were any less than mine.
As for the LGBTQ+ community, I will never understand someone not accepting anyone, because of who they love. Love is love is love is love, is love. It baffles my mind that it took as long as it did for gay marriage to be legal, because for anyone to be told that they cannot marry who they love, just because of their gender, is absolutely unacceptable.
The best thing you can do in life is accepting those around you. You’re going to have different beliefs, and you’re going to disagree with some people, but that is not reason for there to be hate in the world.
If you’re reading this, and you’ve ever been told that you’re wrong because of your sexual orientation, love who you love. Life is short, and love is love. Love will always conquer all.
