This morning a coworker and I were sharing our views on gender issues. I work in the mental health field, and the subject of interest is that there is a support group starting at my job, for the population we serve, in regards to being and supporting those who identify with the LGBTQ+ community. I think it’s a great idea but also thought it’d be better not to call it an alliance or group, instead be referred to as awareness or acceptance gatherings. I say this in order to promote more individuals learning and understanding about a community that is more often than not, misunderstood. The words “group” or “alliance” to me in this reference, I feel, just further separates people.
When expressing my above opinion, my coworker countered with: On one hand the Christian part of me says I don’t think it’s a good idea at all, and on the other hand, the logical part of me says, everyone has a right to be who they are. So I just looked at her and said, I’d go with the logical hand on this one. When she continued to explain, it was like hearing another Charlie Brown teacher moment, bablah, bablah, bablah. And at one point I heard her say, “I don’t really have a problem with those people as long as it’s not pushed on me.” I was very professional as it took GREAT restraint not to roll my eyes to the back of my head.
It never ceases to amaze me how ridiculous people sound and how much I really wish narrow-minded “religious” people could grasp the irony of their own words. But that would require intelligence.
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13 comments
Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.Y A W N........more of "those people." people, of which we need less of those people and protect "those people."
NormCastle
Level 7
Apr 28, 2018
1
Some people are very conflicted. Their own moral compass of being accepting, caring and compassionate is in conflict with their religious morality which is intolerant, judgmental and condescending.
Humanity4all
Level 6
Apr 23, 2018
1
She still thinks being LGBTQ is a choice
Lucy_Fehr
Level 8
Apr 20, 2018
2
Mostly, but I found it odd as the rhetoric continued that she stated "scientific" evidence to prove a clinical diagnosis of "gender dysphoria." She talked about how science has proven that in chromosomal blood work it can be shown how private parts one is assigned at birth do not always match chromosomes.
But then she stated the "those people" statement.
@SherryMartin Yes indeed.
@SherryMartin Also, she is very AWARE that I am agnostic/have no god/not a believer. I think that may in fact make her a bit uncomfortable that she may be poking a bear.
Why would it even matter is it was a choice? Why would we not respect a person's choice. My view is that sexual orientation is 90% innate and 10%. The choice is only what you do with what you are given. But I see no reason to attack or denigrate people even if the percentages were the other way round.
How the hell do “those people” push it on you. Gay people aren’t out there door nocking trying to convert people to Gaytanity. Trans people ain’t handing out Pamphlet out side of Walmart telling you how to change you gender. WTF is wrong with people. I use to go to gay bars with my ex wife and her male best friend that is gay. I have marched with gay activists in the streets of Tallahassee And partied with all night long. Never once have I ever had a gay man hit on me. They know I’m straight. No one is trying to be MAKE YOU LGBT+. I hate people like that. Because what they are really saying I don’t care if people are LGBT+ if I don’t see it, have to hear about it, or except that they have the same rights as me.
Donto101
Level 7
Apr 20, 2018
3
Absolutely.
"Those people"....
I truly hate that phrase. Personally, Christians have been "pushing" their agenda of the masses for thousands of years. When they stop, I will stop pushing what I believe in.
kiramea
Level 7
Apr 20, 2018
2
Agreed. I was refraining also from wanting to throat punch.
Those people has also become euphemism for people of a different race.
I work in public schools. I cringe every time someone says "those kids." As in, not the type of kids I want my poor child, who should never have live in a world where people have differences, to associate with.
phil21
Level 7
Apr 20, 2018
3
Yep, there's that as well. Very frustrating.
The correct(though possibly argument starting) answer is "your religion should not come into this equation at all. That is highly unprofessional."
OpposingOpposum
Level 9
Apr 20, 2018
4
You are definitely correct, that is the appropriate response. In the moment, the words "are you fucking kidding me?" were on tip of my tongue, but my mind didn't go further than what I said.
The heart of Christianity is (supposed to be) love. There's nothing "Christian" about thinking up and focusing on ways to feel separated from others.
stinkeye_a
Level 8
Apr 20, 2018
4
Is it the wording ("those people" ) or the sentiment (tolerance, but perhaps not acceptance) that you find bothersome?
cmadler
Level 7
Apr 20, 2018
2
Both probably. Also ignorance.
Both the wording "those people" + lack of tolerance or understanding or acceptance due to religious conditioning = ignorance, in my opinion.
“Those people” is always used when referring to people that are out siders, people not as good as you are, flawed people, people you don’t want to associate with. People you don’t consider equal.
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