My heart hurt today as I read a story about a young Iranian man who fled to the UK in order to escape death because of his sexuality. His boyfriend had been put to death because of their relationship. This young man now faces the possibility of being sent back to Iran to face the same end his boyfriend did. How does this happen?
I just spent the weekend with my Boyfriend can't stop to think how lucky I am to be able to do so. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) and can't help but to be a little fearful of this possibly happening to me one day. I don't mean that Mormons go out and punish people who are homosexual or have homosexual tendencies... or that they plan on doing it... what I am scared of is the way ideals from ANY religion can suddenly or slowly become oppressive. It's perfectly fine for people to live what they believe but it becomes something else when they force it others. In the case of this Iranian couple, forced so far as to put them to death... in the name of a religious moral code of conduct. HOW? WHY?
Yesterday while I was on my way home from San Diego my bishop stopped by the house and spoke with my Dad. Most of the conversation was about me and how my parents should be a little more strict with me, as far as not allowing me to do things that "hurt" me spiritually. Keep in mind that I am 26 years old. Then the bishop went on to tell my father that, in a round-of-about sort of way, he had failed three of the four of his children (me, my brother and my sister).
I went on a mission but since have come out to my family, whom have been very supportive and I know I am very lucky. Although my father is a bit of a homophobe he has told me his love will never change. It hasn't been the smoothest transition from being a completely active member of the church to not knowing where I stand as far as being a member. There are times where I still find peace singing some of my favorite hymns or listening to certain scriptures that bring comfort.
My sister got married last year to a Non-member and accordingly wasn't married in the temple
My little brother did not serve a mission and plans to get married in may, outside of the temple. Our three cases can be seen as a failure on the parts of my mother and father but I don't see it that way.
We have remained stronger than ever. I feel that in our "imperfections" we have obtained a stronger bond between one another. I know the bishop had the best intentions for our spiritual well-being but it's this "fix-it" attitude that scares me... not only in my religion but ALL religions. This is what leads to stories like the one this poor Iranian man who may die or has died since his story came out... and for what? He fell in love and it was wrong because of a religious code of conduct. Where is the love in that? The only way we can avoid this type of thing happening is to "Love One Another", as it says in one of the Primary songs, accept differences and focus on self.
So now my plans of collecting beads in San Diego for Mardi Gras have been put on the back burner. Instead of being surrounded by people whom will be lowering their guard and gallons of booze... I'll be here with the symptoms of boozing without the spirits. 
