God hasn't forsaken you, despite what they tell you.

Last Saturday, Jesse and I attended the 2nd Annual HRC Utah Gala. (For pictures of us at the event, go here). It was quite fun (except for no dancing *sigh*). We had so much fun last year that we decided that we must go again at any cost. Lucky for us, we have great friends who paid for us to go.

The speaker this year was The Right Reverend Gene Robinson. During the VIP reception (which, Jesse and I attended, of course), the Reverend introduced himself to everyone who was there. We thought it was very nice of him to take the time after a long flight and talk personally with all the guests. Jesse and I also noticed that he took the time to say hello to every volunteer. You know you've met a true Christ-like person when he or she says, "Oh no, the honor is all mine," when you say, "It's an honor to meet you" and you know they truly mean it.

Reverend Robinson spoke about his faith and his homosexuality and how the two go hand-in-hand. He is not ashamed of being gay nor is he ashamed of being a religious person. It's possible to be both, he exclaimed, even though the other side says you can't.

I didn't think too much about his speech as I am a Christian and my church is one of the few that sanctions and performs gay commitment ceremonies. I believe that gay couples should be allowed to marry as gay relationships are just as sacred and loving as straight ones. In my mind, there is no difference because marriage is not about gender, it's about love.

As I was standing line for coffee after dinner, I was talking to a woman (who was a tad drunk) about how she enjoyed the evening. She said that everything was fun until the "religious speech." She did not like the fact that the Reverend "flung his religion on the rest of us." I was confused by her comments because that's not how I interpreted his speech at all. He talked about love, understanding, and compassion and how that relates to religion and the gay equality movement.

Contrary to popular belief, you can be a religious person (Christian even) and openly gay (or gay-loving). I know. Shock and awe!

I think that, in Utah, there is more intolerance of religions among the gays, due in part largely to the LDS Church. So many openly gay people are former Mormons, and have been spurned by friends, family and neighbors just because of who they are. While I'll never know what a gay person goes through when coming out and leaving the Church, and I was ostracized from the Mormon Church as well, I will never understand how people who claim to be "Christian" are anything but.

When you come out of the closet, does the handbook you are given say that you have to stop believing on God? I mean, just because you are gay doesn't mean you have to stop believing in Jesus.

Being gay doesn't define Rev. Robinson. Being a Man of God does. He has extraordinarily resolved the supposed conflict between the two and found happiness and strength.

A while ago, I came across this website. I read with interest the various passages from Mormon doctrine that people believe proves the case for the LDS church to accept and believe in gay marriage. While it doesn't change my views on the Church, it may help others.

God doesn't stop loving one of his children simply because of who he or she chooses to love. Anyone who tells you otherwise is not a true Christian at all.