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The Truth And Gay Straight Alliances

A message from the director, Mike Levenhagen:

ZERO TOLERANCE FOR HARASSMENT

I grew up as a gay throughout Junior and Senior High School and understand what it's like to be go to school in an intimidating environment.  (In fact, I was closeted throughout school for fear of what would happen if anyone knew).  We at Reclamation Resources NEVER advocate harassment, labeling, bullying, etc. 

One of our  focuses is to train churches how to respectfully interact with gays and lesbians.  It really upsets me when I hear of Christians glibly telling others that God hates gays and lesbians, or that homosexuals will burn in Hell.  According to my Bible, the only reason a person will spend eternity in Hell is based on what they do with Jesus, His crucifixion, and His resurrection, not based on whether they experience attractions to the same gender.

TOLERANCE IS A TWO-EDGED SWORD

Tolerance is a two-edged sword, and that's where I run into problems with GSAs.  There are different understandings and approaches to homosexuality.  I think that a young person in Junior or Senior High School needs to be given all the facts about homosexuality, and let each person make an INFORMED choice.  I personally think that 14-18 year olds are too young to determine how they are going to deal with their same-sex-attractions for the rest of their lives.  Besides, how can they make an informed decision if they are deprived of hearing ALL the information about homosexuality?  GSAs only promote one view of homosexuality (that is, you're born gay and your only choice is to embrace a gay or lesbian identity), and to me that's just wrong.

Also, to promote tolerance means we need to be tolerant of opposing views.  I am concerned when an organization marginalizes those of differing views - they are doing the exact same thing they are accusing others of!  A Christian, who in good conscience, cannot accept homosexuality as a viable lifestyle choice should not be judged as being "racist" and/or "hateful".  GSAs not only promote this intolerance, but marginalizes those dealing with same-sex-attractions from other students, creating an us-them mentality.  I would like to think that we really need a zero-tolerance for any type of harassment and stereotyping, so we can all sit down and work through our differences; agreeing to disagree while respecting each other's humanity.

ZERO TOLERANCE FOR LABELING

I hope you understand that I really do care about student harassment and those dealing with attractions to the same gender.  I just don't like people, some well-intentioned, pushing our students into accepting labels (gay or lesbian) and not letting them make informed choices when they are ready to do so - not when these people decide for them.

The following information on Gay Straight Alliances has been taken from Focus on the Family's booklet, "Teaching Captivity."

Many well-intentioned educators and parents have been misled about the nature of Gay Straight Alliances (GSAs). These groups are growing in numbers in our area schools with the support of teachers, principals and staff. Here are some truths about these groups:

 

GSAs disseminate false information about homosexuality and refer to agencies and organizations which do so as well. For example, groups such as GLSEN and PLAG consistently promote the false statistic of 10% of the population is gay or lesbian.

GSAs  offer only one option on homosexuality—embrace it.

GSAs  advocate an "us vs. them" mind set.  Those who don't agree that homosexuality is a viable lifestyle choice are seen as "the enemy" and "the oppressors."

Many who attend GSAs are rarely, if ever, challenged to explore the causes of their homosexuality .

GSAs are targeted toward students who are vulnerable in their identity .

Many GSAs promote an experimental environment potentially leading to dangerous and unhealthy behavior.  They advocate the myth of "safe sex."

There is nothing students or parents can do to prevent the start of a GSA group in their school.  Equal access laws that allow student Bible studies and other extra-curricular activities guarantee the freedom to form GSAs. 

The most effective way to minimize the potential damage from GSA groups is for students themselves to become well informed on the issue of same sex attractions.  They need to eliminate any tolerance for labeling, name-calling and bullying and destroy their own stereotypes.  They will then be able to compassionately defend their worldview and reach out to those who are being deceived by the misinformation so rampant in our culture.