In LGBT Debates, Discomfort Is Part of the Point

[Shana A]

Jay Michaelson
Author, 'God vs. Gay? The Religious Case for Equality'

In LGBT Debates, Discomfort Is Part of the Point
Posted: 1/17/12 04:02 PM ET

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jay-michaelson/religion-homosexuality_b_1204248.html

Our national conversation about equality for LGBT people can often be, well, nasty. Opponents of "gay rights" routinely compare us to perverts, accuse us of horrible things, and deny our very existence. Meanwhile, to many religious people, gay folks really do threaten their understanding of the proper relationship of religion and society, morality and social order. It can be painful on both sides.

Yet I want to suggest that this debate is good for us as a society, and good for religion, specifically. As more religious communities, especially conservative ones, recognize the existence and humanity of LGBT people, they are forced to engage in the sort of critical thought and introspection that makes religion worthwhile in the first place. This is a good thing.