Jodie Foster Speech

Jodie Foster gave a wonderful speech at the Golden Globes. It was honest and sincere. What bothers me is why she had to "come out." Most people who follow Jodie Foster already knew she was a lesbian. We knew she had a partner and they had children. Knew she had broken up with her partner. It wasn't any big news. It bothers me though-Yes, I do believe the more celebrities, politicians, pro-athletes, any one in the public eye-if they "come out" to the public the stigma of being gay or lesbian would be somewhat less. Those who feel that we are sinners and doomed to burn in hell - well they are ignorant. God made me. My mother died in childbirth...I lived. God wanted me on this Earth so I could serve him. God wanted me to go forth in honesty, good will, faith and hope. In every way I could I have served God. This is my faith. This is my spirituality. It doesn't have to go beyond that. I try to be the best person I can. I fail, I get up-I keep trying. When my day is long and the road is rough I pray. I pray asking God to speak to me. I ask him to tell me how better I can serve him. We don't always agree - God doesn't mind that. My sister and I were having conversation about the President of Chick Fil-A. How he spends millions of dollars supporting anti-gay/lesbian agendas. My 9 year old niece was listening. When she was with some friends, on the way to a ballet, they said they were going to eat at Chick Fil-A. My niece immediately turned to her mother and said; "We can't eat there that man hates people." Being in a car with 4 children and 3 adults my sister said; "It will be OK to eat there this time." My niece insisted it was not alright. Someone asked her if she liked the food at Chick Fil-A. She replied that she did, but the owner was not nice. When they went into the restaurant she pointed to the picture of the President and said; "That is the man who hates people for no reason. He doesn't even know them." Powerful the impact we have on children. I was so proud of my 9 year old niece. Hate is taught. Often it is taught in churches or other gatherings of faith. We have come a long way. Not far enough. Women still make less money than men-doing the same job. A white person is likely to cross the street if a black man is walking towards them. Most dry cleaners charge more to clean a woman's blouse than a man's dress shirt. It is so sad. There is hope. My 9 year old niece is hope. Every child is hope. On school playgrounds calling someone gay or a fag is fighting words. We have to step on these words the same way we step on negative words directed at African Americans, Hispanics, Asian Americans - when used in name calling these words are ugly. Yet to be gay is not ugly. Nor is it a choice. I applaud Jodie Foster for her speech - it makes me angry she felt compelled to give it. Being a lesbian is the same as having blue eyes, or blond hair - it is more than likely someone you know is gay/lesbian. It is also true gay/lesbian teens are more likely to commit suicide than their same age peers. So it is up to us "grown ups" to change what our children learn. It isn't about tolerance - I tolerate a lot of things but that doesn't mean I like them. Acceptance is great, however it still places gay/lesbian people in another category-we accept you even if we don't believe you are OK. When the time comes, and it will, when gay/lesbian people are just people- at work, at the mall, in the school, at church, on the street, anywhere. When we are all recognized as children of God, or whatever higher power you believe in - when we do not have to declare our sexuality as a prerequisite to the rights all citizens have - that will be a great era in this great country. When we are not judged by what you see on the outside, or what you know on the inside-praise be that day. It is up to us! We have to change the views of children. Honest, open conversations - Modern Family is a highly rated TV show. No fuss about it. Glee is off the charts - some fuss. We are getting there. Let us be the light in the minds of children so they can understand we are all created equal. We are all from a higher power. Yes, there is hope! We must continue to be "loud and proud" as Jodie Foster said.