I am a gay Christian....

[RayinAR]

I know some will think this is a contradiction in terms but I have strong faith. I am not going to post everything I believe in here because I would probably be banned from the site and I have grown to care for the people in here to much to lose this avenue to use my voice. Having said that I will say that I have serious religious concerns deep in my heart about an Obama Nominee. Some of his stances forgive me , scare the he** literally out of me. Spiritually I have never felt this strongly before. Will I treat the Obama supporters with the same hateful attitude they have shown toward Hillary supporters? Absolutely not. I have my concerns but everyone is entitled to their own thoughts no matter how strongly I disagree with them. This has to be the longest post I have posted. This is my heart felt feelings and I put them out there without going into serious detail.

[Deerly]

I'm sorry that you feel that you have to keep part of your faith/beliefs silent :(

I believe that gays, just like women and minorities and other groups are just as diverse and rich as any other. I know a homosexual man who is a staunch conservative. I don't think it SHOULD be an oxymoron to be religious and gay (or any other combination which someone might think to be stereotypically unlikely) and I am happy for you that you have been able to come to peace with your faith and yourself and feel comfortable enough sharing both with us :)

[RayinAR]

Well some of my beliefs are very common. I believe in the right to choice. I believe we need to treat everyone no matter how hard it is to do how we want to be treated. The beliefs I can not voice here just are'nt appropriate for discussion. I just have the beliefs. They are not nice feelings. But they are strong (end of the world) feelings. It took me many years to come to terms with my spirituality and sexuality. I keep praying on my feelings of this election. And I will keep doing so. Thank you for your very nice post. I appreciate it.

[freespirit]

gC, I agree totally with Deerly. I think you are mistaken that either your sexual orientation or religious beliefs would get you kicked off this site. We all have the right to our own thoughts, opinions, and beliefs, and I doubt that anyone here would feel inclined to be judgemental. I share your concerns about BO, and have said a HC/BO ticket would not be something I could easily embrace. If it is the only way she can get the nom, I would be in favor of it. But I would be hoping like hell that nothing happened to her - for more than one reason.

[Les33]

Hi RayinAR
I'm a gay Christian too! Well I'm a trans person. FTM
I go to Metropolitan Community Church. (predominantly LGBT denomination)
I've been bothered immensely by Obama's stance on gay marriage. He said he couldn't support it because he was a Christian. His Christianity is an exclusive status of straight people. Hillary doesn't fully support gay marriage either, but not because of a narrow religious view point.

[freespirit]

I assume you are from the south (AR), as am I. Given the prevailing fundamentalist brand of Christianity that is present in that whole region and that permeates every area of life, it is not surprising that you would have had a struggle. I think we all struggle with the life issues such as spirituality. Sounds like you have done a lot of work and asked yourself the hard questions. I applaud you for being able to do so and for growing spiritually in the process. After all, we are all works in progress, and hopefully learn and change throughout life. Good thoughts to you.

[RayinAR]

Well Hillary believes in Civil Unions which give all the legal rights of Marriage to gay couples. Society would not go for more than that right now. We have come along way. And most of my beliefs I could post in here. But I have some that I am uncomfortable posting. Not because I think the people in this site would judge me. But because, lol, my feelings I pray are wrong. And they could be. I love the people in here and with all their help we won't have to worry about any of this because Hillary will be the Democratic nominee.

[LetsHelpAmerica]

I know some will think this is a contradiction in terms but I have strong faith. I am not going to post everything I believe in here because I would probably be banned from the site and I have grown to care for the people in here to much to lose this avenue to use my voice. Having said that I will say that I have serious religious concerns deep in my heart about an Obama Nominee. Some of his stances forgive me , scare the he** literally out of me. Spiritually I have never felt this strongly before. Will I treat the Obama supporters with the same hateful attitude they have shown toward Hillary supporters? Absolutely not. I have my concerns but everyone is entitled to their own thoughts no matter how strongly I disagree with them. This has to be the longest post I have posted. This is my heart felt feelings and I put them out there without going into serious detail.


There is NO contradiction in being both gay and spiritual!! NONE!! I have been very honest about myself ( mostly ) by using my real name and voicing my real feelings. I'm not perfect but I am always right! Ha!! Just kidding! Wanted to make sure you were paying attention!! :D
I too have very strong beliefs ( spiritual/faith ) and I never push them on anyone but feel quite good about expressing them when someone is interested! So, please do not feel that I'm not interested. I can only speak for myself and that's what I did. I appreciate you and I'm very thankful to have this oppurtunity , through our efforts to support Hillary, to get to know you.

[RAFREE]

I know some will think this is a contradiction in terms but I have strong faith. I am not going to post everything I believe in here because I would probably be banned from the site and I have grown to care for the people in here to much to lose this avenue to use my voice. Having said that I will say that I have serious religious concerns deep in my heart about an Obama Nominee. Some of his stances forgive me , scare the he** literally out of me. Spiritually I have never felt this strongly before. Will I treat the Obama supporters with the same hateful attitude they have shown toward Hillary supporters? Absolutely not. I have my concerns but everyone is entitled to their own thoughts no matter how strongly I disagree with them. This has to be the longest post I have posted. This is my heart felt feelings and I put them out there without going into serious detail.

Ray, why on earth would you feel you would be banned for this?? You have not broken any forum rules! The rules do not require anyone to be hateful to Obama supporters. Many in fact MOST of us have NOT done that. We DO vent here because everywhere we go in life, and on the net we are attacked just for saying we are voting Hillary. We have seen the most disgusting and vile things said not just about her as a person but, as a woman. It's pretty hard to hold all that in for so long.

But no, I think you sharing your feelings in a polite way is perfectly within the rules and I think Murray will tell you the same!! I'm glad to have you with us supporting Hillary!!!

[RayinAR]

Thank you Donna. I appreciate you and everyone in here also.

[freespirit]

This may be waaay too cynical, but I think BO plays the Christianity card because he wants to reinforce that to the public. I was very bothered by the article (the link was posted on this forum, I think) about his reluctance to get his picture taken with a gay public official (I think it was the San Francisco Mayor). I believe the official had hosted two fund raisers for BO, and while he was willing to accept the money, he quietly asked someone else in the party to help him avoid the picture. I guess he thought it would be bad publicity. Someone else may remember the article better than I. It was several days ago that I skimmed it quickly. Regardless, BO's hypocricy was showing, as always.

[RayinAR]

I am actually from North West Arkansas....Springdale to be exact. Nice to see another AR person in here. I have seen one other. My struggle stopped about 10 years ago. I sat down with myself (not literally) and focused my attention on what my beliefs were. When I was done I was perfectly content with my self in every way. I have sort of got off of what this site is for though so I will get back on track. Hillary Clinton MUST be the Democratic nominee for me to be comfortable voting democrat this November for a lot of reasons.

[Deerly]

Oh you aren't being cynical at all - he is DEFINITELY playing to the evangelical and southern baptist votes! Just look at who he surrounded himself with: evangelical, homophobic individuals.

He uses RELIGION as an explanation of why he "can't" support gay marriage. He has also come out and said that he uses his religion as a basis for all of his morality - a stance that worries me because I feel that a fundamental understanding of human rights and our responsibility to the poor transcends religion and should be part of the human character.

The most upsetting outburst of Obama in regards to religion recently was the way he "defended" the idea that he was a Christian and NOT a Muslim. He had a wonderful opportunity to say some positive things about the Islamic faith or to take a stand against the discrimination and oppression this group has faced to a terrifying degree in this country but instead choose to simply discuss the glory of his personal faith. He chose to buy into the oppression and fear and essentially denounced the very notion by taking offense that he could possibly be considered to believe those teachings.

[SantaCruzen]

I am a minister who has taken hundreds of people to the light at the end of the tunnel. My grandfather was an elder of an indigenous tribal spiritual orientation which has been on the planet for tens of thousands of years. And, sexuality is not an issue in my grandfather's tribal traditions.

I meant that I was trained to leave my body when I was a two years old as most traditional Asian/Asian Pacific children were trained before other religions came through trade routes. My ancestors passed on a tradition of training healers who are able to take lost souls to the light--at the end of the tunnel.

I served as an honorary scientist for a non-profit scientific organization which was founded to study persons like myself. Members have served and founded the Star Gate program which utilized persons with similar abilities for military operations. That program lasted from approximately 1970 through to 1995.

I turned down national security clearance for satellite weapons targeting yet I have also turned down the possibility to abuse and misuse my own abilities. Buddha had similar experiences; Mohammad also had similar experiences; Zarathustra; Jesus had similar experiences.

Buddha left his Hindu training as Prince to study with an order as aesthetes. He attained his Buddhahood through their intense relinquishment of this world of objects. Jesus had the mission to release the secret sacred training from the temple priests. Zarathrustra was given teachings by angels who took him to visit the realms beyond death. He was shown that each person had his own angels who were assigned to guide him/her through learning lessons in their own personal heaven or hell. Mohammad entered to the state of light beings-angels who gave him his prophecies.

The parapsychologists of the last one hundred years studied persons who were what once were called gifted persons. Studies were done in the field and in the laboratory. Each continent actually have an intelligence circle who internal to the intelligence community. For instance, Uri Gellar is from Israel. The Chinese have their own such persons who are protected and referred to in Chinese as National Treasures. The Soviet Union also have had their own programs. What is referred to as the Holy War has some issues to do with the Prophecy of Mohammad. In that prophecy, there will twelve Imans. An Iman has the power of Moses. The Twelfth Iman is called Iman Madhi.

Notice that there are bombings at temples. That should give you the impression that there are groups vying for the power of an Iman. Temples are bombed when important spiritual leaders are within them and on important days.

The problem with the Holy War is that scientists, the parapsychologists, discovered that there are other people around the world who have the similar experience and powers of ancient prophets. That in fact, an average person also has many. "You may do as I can and much more". Sound familiar?

The First Amendment of our nation is based upon the fact that the Founding Fathers understood that each person could attain his own image within God when given freedom to pursue his own experience of the knowledge of God.

As a nation, we are still pursuing the right and freedoms of the First Amendment. We will not have the First Amendment granted to all until all are perceived equal--Civil Rights Movement.

[RayinAR]

I sent you a message Rafree

[Patsy]

I know some will think this is a contradiction in terms but I have strong faith. I am not going to post everything I believe in here because I would probably be banned from the site and I have grown to care for the people in here to much to lose this avenue to use my voice. Having said that I will say that I have serious religious concerns deep in my heart about an Obama Nominee. Some of his stances forgive me , scare the he** literally out of me. Spiritually I have never felt this strongly before. Will I treat the Obama supporters with the same hateful attitude they have shown toward Hillary supporters? Absolutely not. I have my concerns but everyone is entitled to their own thoughts no matter how strongly I disagree with them. This has to be the longest post I have posted. This is my heart felt feelings and I put them out there without going into serious detail.

These two things do not have to be mutually exclusive. I believe I speak for many when I say, we respect your faith and your sexuality. You are in a safe haven to express your feelings, we are all trying to reach the same goal. Equality for everyone, a Country to be proud of, an economy second to none, the end of poverty, health care for us all and to elect the most qualified Person for the Highest Office in our Country.

Your thoughts and feelings are HIGHLY relevant to what we are trying to achieve through this Forum.

Obama has been a fraud to the LGBT community. He will allow a fundraiser, but refuse to have a photo taken with a prominent person. Yet he'll trounce all over town with the most divisive and racist figure of our time: Louis Farrakhan. Whom he DID NOT REALLY denounce in the debate as he still referred to him as Minister and Farrakhan came out the next day and encouraged his followers to support Obama yet again.

Hillary Clinton has marched in PRIDE parades, spoken with many from the LGBT community and has NEVER been afraid to be photographed at any time. I think her support for the LGBT community is genuine.

Here's my leagalease coming out... Civil Unions are all that matter in the US. We tend to call them marriage, but the fact is that States have chosen to sanction Church Weddings. Thus creating a Civil Union through a Church. However, you may go to the Justice of the Peace and be afforded the same rights in the States that allow for same sex unions. A current unknown fact is that NO STATE is required to recognize another state's marriage. They just choose to.

And I believe, with some exceptions of course, that soon it will be a matter in all States that same sex civil unions take place. We have come too far to not move that obstacle out of the way.

Hillary will fight for the causes of everyone and WILL NEVER allow a Constitutional Amendment that for the first time that would LIMIT a person's rights. That you can bet your life on.

She will Champion all of our causes without exception.

As you can tell, I am a bit opinionated;) Please share with us whatever you feel comfortable with. Your values and ideas are much needed and appreciated.

Kitty

[RayinAR]

I love those opinions tho Kitty. Keep em up.

[freespirit]

It sounds as if you are a very knowledgeable person about spirituality. I concur that we all should have the right to develop to full potential. This basic rright has been denied to a number of groups, including gays, people of color, and women. I would also like to point out (not to make this an "I've been more oppressed than you've been contest") that with regard to political rights, African American men gained the right to vote in 1870. Women did not gain the right to vote until 1920. Obama, as a black man, is part of a group that had the basic right to vote a full fifty years earlier than did women.

[RayinAR]

I totally agree with you on that. I think and this in MY OPINION.... that the only reason Obama is running is for the prestige of being President. He could care less I feel about the people. Black, brown, yellow or any color in between. He has his agenda and it is for himself. But I agree totally with women being more repressed than black men. Now black women on the other hand now that is an oppressed issue.

[EH]

I know some will think this is a contradiction in terms but I have strong faith. I am not going to post everything I believe in here because I would probably be banned from the site and I have grown to care for the people in here to much to lose this avenue to use my voice. Having said that I will say that I have serious religious concerns deep in my heart about an Obama Nominee. Some of his stances forgive me , scare the he** literally out of me. Spiritually I have never felt this strongly before. Will I treat the Obama supporters with the same hateful attitude they have shown toward Hillary supporters? Absolutely not. I have my concerns but everyone is entitled to their own thoughts no matter how strongly I disagree with them. This has to be the longest post I have posted. This is my heart felt feelings and I put them out there without going into serious detail.

Why should you be banned, Ray? Our common denominator here is Hillary. We know no race, creed, sexuality or gender here...all we know is the support of a woman who has gone on record in her defense of humankind and is not afraid to do so. A woman we are fiercely fighting tooth and nail for. Welcome Ray and don't be afraid to express your feelings!

[SantaCruzen]

Oh you aren't being cynical at all - he is DEFINITELY playing to the evangelical and southern baptist votes! Just look at who he surrounded himself with: evangelical, homophobic individuals.

He uses RELIGION as an explanation of why he "can't" support gay marriage. He has also come out and said that he uses his religion as a basis for all of his morality - a stance that worries me because I feel that a fundamental understanding of human rights and our responsibility to the poor transcends religion and should be part of the human character.



I would like to see support on that. I do not know what he has said about homosexuality. Yet, I do know that his ethics are not about telling the truth.

[skc1976]

I'll admit, when I saw this topic header it really caught my eye. Of course, that's because I am a gay Christian as well. When it comes to sexual orientation, it's definitely seems to be a conflict with being gay and being Christian in many faiths, beliefs, and spiritualities. I'm fortunate to be of a denomination that accepts the GLBTQ community into their congregation which is very close to the faith I was raised in.

I will say, on the topic of "gay marriage" and "civil unions," I think too many people are hung up in the term. What I'm concerned most with is the "benefits," so to speak, that are given to each. It pains me when families can prevent a partner from being with their loved one in a hospital room. Or that they can take away what a partner has given to another in a will. And it bothers me when they cannot extend benefits to the person they love. It's not about the term that's used, but the rights that come with it. And it's evident that Hillary Clinton is for equal rights for the GLBTQ community. As a gay man, I have serious reservations though on Barack Obama.

Thanks for this thread. It's great to see such amazing support!

[Patsy]

Oh you aren't being cynical at all - he is DEFINITELY playing to the evangelical and southern baptist votes! Just look at who he surrounded himself with: evangelical, homophobic individuals.

Who exactly are these evangelical, homophobic individuals?

Haven't seen that at all.

[OkieforHRC2008]

Perhaps it would be easy to say the Golden rule applies to your beliefs? I always liked that rule because it forces some to look within. The Obama supporters sadly seem to disagree. I try not to belittle them, but have seen more than my fair share of nasty comments from them.

[SantaCruzen]

Perhaps it would be easy to say the Golden rule applies to your beliefs? I always liked that rule because it forces some to look within. The Obama supporters sadly seem to disagree. I try not to belittle them, but have seen more than my fair share of nasty comments from them.

Being Right or Right about Being Left is Fasicsm.
Reality is about Change- weather changes, etc.
If we try to control change we get "stuck on stuck"
as my partner loves to state it. We just were not
created to be right all the time.


Conservative commentator Jonah Goldberg is tired of being called a fascist. In his latest book, Liberal Fascism, he fights back against the term that those on the right are often saddled with, reminding readers that the original fascists leaned more toward the left.

Goldberg, the editor-at-large for National Review Online, argues in his book that fascism under Benito Mussolini and Nazism under Adolf Hitler came from the same intellectual source as Progressivism, the birth-mother of American liberalism. The term “liberal fascism” comes from a speech made by author H. G. Wells when he told a group of Young Liberals at Oxford that Progressives must become “liberal fascists” and “enlightened Nazis.”
http://www.aim.org/briefing/liberal-fascism-explained/

Some people are crazy and others are really crazy!
You all need to read some of the articles on that web site. It is a prelude to the deluge of press after we go onto to beat Senator McCain.

[tommy]

Hey guys, can you tell me why Hillary supporters are so friendly as opposed to the meanie Obama supporters? :D

RayinAR, nice to have your voice heard pal!

[movingtous]

RayinAr,
You are safe among us. I really do feel that liberals accept people, as they are. There is nothing wrong with you, so you shouldn't apologize for anything. Each one of us is unique, and I hope that none of us here would treat you any differently, straight or not. Having lived in Paris, France for 13 years, I do see the difference between our society and French Society. We tend to lag a little behind others, in terms of acceptance. Even our liberals are quite conservative, compared to Europe. However, I know that there are many among us, here, in the states, who are completely open to everyone's uniqueness. You have chosen the right party, the right forum. Hillary has always been an advocate for civil rights. This whole gay marriage phobia was thrust upon us by the Republicans, just to push up their voter turnout. I hope that we will all one day grow up and treat one another with respect.

[jenans]

I am actually from North West Arkansas....Springdale to be exact.

Hi Ray,

We're almost neighbors - I'm in Nixa, MO, just south of Springfield. I'm originally from Los Angeles, though. We've been here for 3-1/2 years and the Bible Belt is very different. Definately a harder place to be 'different'. There seems to be the thought out here that there is only one kind of Christian that is 'right'. Believe me, I'm not the 'right' kind either.

I hope you can feel safe and accepted by us here in this forum. We won't judge! :)

[Linda C]

I have not heard Obama say that he was against gay marriage because of his religion...I beleive that was John Edwards.

The UCC, which Obama belongs, supports marriage equality, although that has caused a big huff with many of the local congregations.

Obama says allot and even posts on his website. But when it came to S. Carolina..it all went underground and he had Donnie McClurklin stump for him.

I would rather have someone who says less and does more.

[wasGOPnowInd]

Well, having read through most of this long thread, there is little more I feel I can add (not that that has ever stopped me before :D ) But...

I am gay, and I am an Episcopalian. I am a part-time seminary student and a full time executive. I am a widow, having met and married my late partner in church (I know, go figure). I am these things, and many other things too.

My point being, I am a child of God, and so are all of you. I am a Christian, yes, but would I say I was a Gay Christian? No, not anymore than I had a Gay Wedding. I had a wedding. I am a Christian, I am a woman, I am an Independent, and an okay golfer. I am many things, as we all are.

My theology, as is most likely true of many, is impacted by who I am, and the experiences I have had. As for apocalyptic views of the future (as I think I heard some hinting about from our original poster), I believe that there are basically two ways to move through life... We can either anticipate a destination that is difficult, harsh, and dark, or we can look to the future with excitement for the opportunities that await us. Either way, the final destination will be the same. Since we cannot predict when or what that may be for us, or even how many detours for better or worse we may encounter on our journey, who do we believe has a better time as they walk the path? Ultimately it is true that the water in the glass is not changed by how we view it (as either half full or half empty) - we are.


God's peace.

[Lodi]

Well Hillary believes in Civil Unions which give all the legal rights of Marriage to gay couples. Society would not go for more than that right now. We have come along way. And most of my beliefs I could post in here. But I have some that I am uncomfortable posting. Not because I think the people in this site would judge me. But because, lol, my feelings I pray are wrong. And they could be. I love the people in here and with all their help we won't have to worry about any of this because Hillary will be the Democratic nominee.

I can't think of anyone here who would judge you, even if you yourself think your idea is impolitic or loony or whatever. So let me share with you a whoo-woo feeling that I have: I have a feeling that something terrible will happen to the country if Obama becomes pres. and I doubt he'd finish his first term, let alone serve a second. I had a very similar feeling about Dubya, and lo and behold, Sept. 11. Shudder...and God forbid!

Also, I believe in reincarnation and that our real home is in the spirit world. I was just wondering a little while ago if we all know each other from the "other side" and are coming together to try to stop what we see as an imposter from usurping the presidency.

Feel less shy now? ;)

[Lodi]

Well, having read through most of this long thread, there is little more I feel I can add (not that that has ever stopped me before :D ) But...

I am gay, and I am an Episcopalian. I am a part-time seminary student and a full time executive. I am a widow, having met and married my late partner in church (I know, go figure). I am these things, and many other things too.

My point being, I am a child of God, and so are all of you. I am a Christian, yes, but would I say I was a Gay Christian? No, not anymore than I had a Gay Wedding. I had a wedding. I am a Christian, I am a woman, I am an Independent, and an okay golfer. I am many things, as we all are.

My theology, as is most likely true of many, is impacted by who I am, and the experiences I have had. As for apocalyptic views of the future (as I think I heard some hinting about from our original poster), I believe that there are basically two ways to move through life... We can either anticipate a destination that is difficult, harsh, and dark, or we can look to the future with excitement for the opportunities that await us. Either way, the final destination will be the same. Since we cannot predict when or what that may be for us, or even how many detours for better or worse we may encounter on our journey, who do we believe has a better time as they walk the path? Ultimately it is true that the water in the glass is not changed by how we view it (as either half full or half empty) - we are.


God's peace.

That's beautiful. Thank you!

[LetsHelpAmerica]

Well, having read through most of this long thread, there is little more I feel I can add (not that that has ever stopped me before :D ) But...

I am gay, and I am an Episcopalian. I am a part-time seminary student and a full time executive. I am a widow, having met and married my late partner in church (I know, go figure). I am these things, and many other things too.

My point being, I am a child of God, and so are all of you. I am a Christian, yes, but would I say I was a Gay Christian? No, not anymore than I had a Gay Wedding. I had a wedding. I am a Christian, I am a woman, I am an Independent, and an okay golfer. I am many things, as we all are.

My theology, as is most likely true of many, is impacted by who I am, and the experiences I have had. As for apocalyptic views of the future (as I think I heard some hinting about from our original poster), I believe that there are basically two ways to move through life... We can either anticipate a destination that is difficult, harsh, and dark, or we can look to the future with excitement for the opportunities that await us. Either way, the final destination will be the same. Since we cannot predict when or what that may be for us, or even how many detours for better or worse we may encounter on our journey, who do we believe has a better time as they walk the path? Ultimately it is true that the water in the glass is not changed by how we view it (as either half full or half empty) - we are.


God's peace.


How true!
How eloquently put!

[OkieforHRC2008]

I know some will think this is a contradiction in terms but I have strong faith. I am not going to post everything I believe in here because I would probably be banned from the site and I have grown to care for the people in here to much to lose this avenue to use my voice. Having said that I will say that I have serious religious concerns deep in my heart about an Obama Nominee. Some of his stances forgive me , scare the he** literally out of me. Spiritually I have never felt this strongly before. Will I treat the Obama supporters with the same hateful attitude they have shown toward Hillary supporters? Absolutely not. I have my concerns but everyone is entitled to their own thoughts no matter how strongly I disagree with them. This has to be the longest post I have posted. This is my heart felt feelings and I put them out there without going into serious detail.

I feel the same about Obama. His ideas send shivers of fear down my back. His twisting of words to fit his own uses appalls me.

I do agree about treating the Obama supporters with a nicer attitude than they do us Hillary Supporters. I refrain from calling them zombie/troll/zealots, or the various names they've created for Hillary supporters. It's much like the golden rule has gone to the internet. They forget that we are people two and have just as much a right to voice our opinion.


~~OkieforHRC2008

Hillary 2008!!

[RayinAR]

I agree I don't care what it is called as long as we have some legal rights with our partners if we have one.

[Hillary-in-the-Box]

I agree I don't care what it is called as long as we have some legal rights with our partners if we have one.

My dad is gay, a christian, and a Hillary supporter. His partner of 15 years died on September 11th. He worked on the 102nd floor of the second tower to get hit. He was denied almost every benefit that straight spouses received from the government. When LAMBDA Legal stepped in, they started fighting. Eventually, he won. Well, mostly. His partner's father, who Gene had not spoken to in some 30 years, put a claim on the money that should have gone to my Dad and won it.

It was very, very sad to watch my grieving father go through all of this. They hadn't even identified Gene's remains yet! They wouldn't even let my Dad access Gene's checking account which only had about $300 in it.

So Ray, I'm with you. If Hillary can make this all change- the world can call it whatever the heck they want. But it needs to fixed. And it needs to be fixed now. And that is why I'm voting for Hillary Clinton.

And by the way, my Dad is VERY involved in his church. As an out and proud gay man, he has never been turned away from any congregation. He just searched for one where he felt most comfortable. His church is wonderful. United Church of Christ.
-Heather

[Brooke]

Ray,
Thank you for sharing that personal story, I know it took some courage. And I am glad to meet another person as worried about Obama (coming from another person of faith, I'm Jewish), as I am. His ties to Farrakahn especially, scare the crap out of me.

I'm sorry you feel you can't share your beliefs, I think you'd be able to speak your mind freely here, as all of us can.

And btw, anybody from Arkansas is cool. I was down there for the first time in 2006 (when Oaklawn was open) and fell in love with the place. I have some close friends down there and it's an absolutely wonderful place!

(And yes, I've been to the Clinton Library and Little Rock);)

[Les33]

I have not heard Obama say that he was against gay marriage because of his religion...I beleive that was John Edwards.


Yes, he did:
In an interview with the Chicago Daily Tribune, Obama said, "I'm a Christian. And so, although I try not to have my religious beliefs dominate or determine my political views on this issue, I do believe that tradition, and my religious beliefs say that marriage is something sanctified between a man and a woman."

http://lesbianlife.about.com/od/lesbianactivism/p/BarackObama.htm

[MarkMiller]

It has not always been easy to live with a conservative but after some time both of us have come to realise that beyond our front door is everything else and inside our home is just for us. We did not move to the "Lavender Heights" area of Sacramento where many gay couple have congregated. We bought our home in the suburbs of Elk Grove and have lived here for 15 years. Our neighbors have all been very supportive and I see no reason to think that if the rest of the country wouldn't be as supportive if people moved in next to them as well.

I do not believe this country has the right to discriminate against gays in marriage as it is a basic religious belief and our Constitution does not allow for laws to be created that blatantly do so. One day it will be......one day.