Why It's Still News
So by now it's probably not news that Christian musician Jennifer Knapp has come out as a lesbian. As I understand it, this isn't news to those who know her... and as usual it's become the fodder for all sorts of blogs, internet entries, and news stories.
It wasn't my intention to really talk about it on here, though I do think it's great for Ms. Knapp that she's able to take this step and it gave me something to think about in my own quiet time... but then I read a blog entry from a friend of mine who was frustrated with all the attention her coming out has stirred up. His position seems to be that it's not news and that homosexuals are making a mountain out of a molehill in their attempts to push an agenda that's been over. You can read THIS to see what his words were exactly.
I love Adam (I hope that goes without saying) but I think his article is a little mistaken. And here's how I responded:
I suppose you knew I'd be commenting on this one...
First, I agree that someone's sexual orientation shouldn't be a big deal - that's between them and their sexual partner and God... that's it. But the reality is that we live in a VERY sexualized society and people are thinking about it all the time. Doesn't make it right - just makes it reality.
I also agree that homosexuals should be treated equal, but the fact is that they are not... Homosexual marriage is not federally recognized, it's still legal to fire someone for being gay in 31 states, it's only been less than half a year that sexual orientation has even been protected under federal hate crime laws, and it's been well publicized that at least one school would rather cancel prom than allow a girl to bring her same-sex date. Still a VERY LONG way to equality... and that's just in this country. In some countries, homosexuality is punishable by death!
So why the big deal about coming out? Gay kids need to know they're not alone - they need as many positive (and especially Christian) role models they can get. The straight population, particularly those who consider homosexuals less than equal, needs to see that the person they admire can be homosexual... it's part of removing the stigma and allowing people to realize that homosexuals aren't all monsters. Finally, when a person makes the decision to come out, it's a very difficult one that can potentially cost them people they hold close. When that person is a public figure, the repercussions can be all the greater. Unfortunately, when that person is a public Christian, it has the potential to destroy them... and they need to know they have support. If you don't believe me, check out the comments to the USA Today article about this - you'll find plenty of hate spewed there... as usual...
Finally, homosexuality is still one of the leading causes of suicide - not because people are killing themselves for being gay... they're killing themselves because they're told they're bad for being gay.
Praise God for Jennifer Knapp and all the other celebrities who are comfortable and courageous enough to be honest about their sexuality... I look forward to the day when we finally see equality for all and sexual orientation is no longer an issue.
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