I refuse to live in a world full of hate.

When I was in middle school, I attended a church service with my friend. I was not a regular church goer, but I believed in God. After the service, I went to my friend's youth group. There were about 10 kids in the group all around my age. Somehow, we got on the topic of homosexuality. The pastor asked the group as a whole if being gay was okay. I was the only person to say yes. My parents hadn't ever talked to me about homosexuality. I knew what it was, but I didn't know that other people thought it was wrong. Needless to say, I felt embarrassed. Being a twelve year old girl and having the only opposing opinion? That was every tweenaged girl's nightmare. I kept my mouth shut for the rest of the time we were there. No one challenged me, thankfully. I probably would have cried.

My mom picked me up from my friend's house once we got back from church. On the way home, I asked her about gay people and why everyone in the church said it was such a bad thing. Her response was, "Well, Audrey, in the Bible it says that homosexuality is wrong." And that was that. From that day on, I didn't believe in God. I couldn't believe that someone that was supposed to be so almighty and great would oppress people in this way. I wanted no part of that organization.

My parents are kind of indifferent about the subject. I know it just gives my dad the heebie jeebies, but he doesn't really care if two men or two women want to get married. I think my mom is the same way. I appreciate that they don't really have their own opinion on it, or if they do, they never imposed that on me. At the age of twelve, I was able to make my own decision about topics that are actually much larger than I was able to realize at the time. I can only hope that I will be able to give my children the same experience. I know way to many people whose only beliefs are those of their parents. I wish that young people were given the chance to have their own opinions without feeling like they are being judged.

I have no problem standing up for what I think is right. I respect other opinions 100%. But, when you tell me that two men or two women cannot marry because, "The Bible says so," I will chuckle. Apparently, there is supposed to be a separation of church and state. I think a lot of people have forgotten that. Why should I be able to decide that two people cannot marry each other? Why would I even care? It has absolutely nothing to do with my life. It makes me incredibly sad that there are so many couples in the world that have a beautiful, magnetizing, mesmerizing love and they are not able to celebrate it.

After that long rant, I leave you with a quote from one of my favorite people: