I love gay people

I love gay people. I really do. I’ve been blessed with many dear friends who are gay and my life would be sorely lacking without them in it. They have changed me, for the better and for good. They’ve taught me about how important it is to be authentic in this world, and how difficult that can be. About courage. About what makes a family a family. About what it means to truly love another human being.

I’ve been dreading this day when the people of North Carolina vote on Amendment One. Now it's 8:00 a.m. and I’m already hating it. Whether this bull-shit amendment passes or fails, it’s wrong. We should not be voting on this. It is bullying on a massive scale. It grieves my heart that we’re putting good people through this. As a straight person, and as a follower of Jesus, I feel somehow responsible, even though I know I’m not. I can only say to my gay friends, please forgive our stupidity. And please know that so many of us stand with you.

I love gay people. It’s true. And I hate that this is happening to you. I know this isn’t your first experience with being discriminated against. It’s something you live with every day. Yes, I know that. But, especially on this day, I want you to know that your pain is my pain. Your hurt is my hurt. Your anger is my anger. I want you to know that I love you.