The Power of Language

I’m so tired of these stupid polls that ask people if prayer should be allowed in public schools. Prayer has never been banned in public schools! The federal law only states that a school official, teacher, administrator, etc. is not allowed to lead a group of students (or one student for that matter) in prayer. However, students can lead students (voluntarily) in prayer. A student who wishes to pray before their meal at lunch is not punished for bowing his or her head. Wake up and smell the reality.

It’s annoying to me to think how blown out of proportion some issues are. I had a professor in college who said as long as there are tests, there will always be prayer in schools. And I had to laugh. What student hasn’t forgotten about a test and said a quick prayer to whoever begging for wisdom. Federal laws do NOT ban this practice.

I enjoy my right to not have prayer forced on me in public settings. Prayer is a very personal private matter between and individual and his or her god. The same as religion. It’s not something to be flaunted, forced, etc. I respect everyone’s right to their faith and would encourage them to practice it if it makes them happy, even if I don’t understand it.

So next time someone poses a question on prayer in school, or the intermixing of government and religion, ask yourself a very important question: are the words of this bill framed in a way to sway my opinion/vote? Bills are named to convince the general public about issues. Hence why the movements are pro-life/pro-choice. Those opposing sects names are meant to sway opinions. Obviously, how positive does pro-life ring? Someone wouldn’t want to be “pro-death” but that’s what the pro-life movement would have you believe the pro-choicers are. Because what else would be the opposite of pro-life?

So much is implied within a movement’s/bill’s name. So before you absently click yes, that you support prayer in public school, think about the context and remember, that you can bow your head at any time of your choosing, so long as you do not disrupt class or force others to join. And if what you’re really trying to do is set an example in the public practice of your faith, what message does it send to force your peers to participate?

My Choice

My life has taken many twists and turns over the past few months. I have experienced loss, happiness, passion, sorrow, and the list goes on and on. I have yet to decide how all of this is going to affect me. Because that’s what it is, my choice.

Recently, my father has decided to cut me out of his life. Though he didn’t do it as blatantly as I just stated it, he left me the choice, either have the girlfriend and don’t visit, or come visit as much as you want… alone. In his sweet e-mail, he tells me he wishes to have no dialogue, no compromise, and bashes my mother. I have not responded to this e-mail. There are no words. In fact this is the first ‘public’ statement I’ve made.

I refuse to let his bigotry bring me down. I know I have other family members who love and support me and losing someone who doesn’t really care about me, isn’t really a loss. Think about it, life is much sweeter when you don’t have to defend who you are.

This experience has further motivated me and has gotten me excited for the upcoming Equality March on Washington this weekend. Cleve Jones, the founder of the Names Project Memorial Quilt has organized a march on Washington to show the nation and our government that we’re not going to take being discriminated against. This weekend, I am excited to be a part of something historical; an event that is being led by one of the movement’s great leaders.

I had a choice as to how to take my father’s decision. Rather than drag it out, plea my case, etc. I have decided to stand with my fellow GLBT brothers and sisters to plead our case to the nation. Together, our voices united, the words will resonate in the nation’s ears and will be better equipped to bring about change. I might not be able to change one man’s views, but standing together, our voices will drown out dissent and foster equality through love and compassion and the 14th Amendment which guarantees equal rights to all citizens of this great nation!