Acceptance Rather Than Tolerance Poem by Melvina Germain

Unsuspecting beings born to the bosom of the universe. From the time we open our eyes, we are dependent on those who are deemed our parents, guardians or care-givers if we are so in need.

For the most part in our early years, we are loved, cuddled, ouu's and awe's, all is well. There comes a time though that a little gray seems to hover in the air and questions come to mind. For some reason at the approximate age of five, something seems to have gone
awry.

Little Donald wants to play with barbies and Jessica loves football. A puzzling conundrum has fallen prey on the household and all who reside their show a blind eye, totally in disbelief to this so called complex ed situation.

A time comes when those blind eyes must open and face the facts. Donald and Jessica are gay. The bantering, blaming and so on back and forth becomes a daily ritual in some households. Some parents divert into abandonment, and feel justified in doing so. Siblings
are angered and feel a loss of a brother or sister. Some fathers become embarrassed to think especially of their sons involved in what is considered a despicable lifestyle. Many friends may offer condolences in a rather unique form, insisting perhaps, those afflicted will get over it, it's a phase and it will pass. Others find it displeasing to the soul, disgusting, a travesty. The poor wait it out while the rich may make many visits to psychologists for an easy fix.

Fact is, there is no easy fix, it is what it is. Donald and Jessica are homosexuals. This label was a huge blow not only to the household but also to friends and relatives alike. Many thought being gay was wrong, totally against Christian belief and merely tolerated
the two. Some blatantly voiced their opinion stating, we can pray for them not to engage in sexual activity, to abstain in order to be granted forgiveness from God. Always using religion to substantiate their belief.

Others wondered why the two chose this lifestyle, totally ignorant to the fact...they both were simply born this way. If one wants a more in depth explanation as to why...my suggestion would be to research what can happen in the third trimester of pregnancy. One might then realize choice is of no consequence.

Those who face differences, who are beaten, frowned upon, shunned and so on, would not choose to be a target of bigotry. Unfortunately and it's a difficult thing to voice. Homosexuals, blacks, the obese, disfigured people are still today, the focal targets in society,
which prove bigotry is alive and still terrorizing people based on their differences.

We as human beings have no right to stand in judgment of others. We all have the distinct right to live in this universe, to reside on this earth. Acceptance is the only answer, live and let live is a great motto to follow at all times. If you are of Christian belief, realize we are all God's children, and as His children we are loved unconditionally.

Whatever our attraction is sexually, whatever the color of our skin, our bodily structure or presence should have no bearing on how good or bad we are, it is not a right or wrong situation. As long as we respect all things, we are on the right path. All people of this world have the right to live their lives in peace and should be accepted and loved simply based on the fact that we are people of the universe.

Written by: Melvina Germain
Date: Nov.12/2011