I’ve always wanted to write about why I’m an Ally. Growing up in Nigeria and as a Christian, I have always asked “why” when given instructions. I always want to know the logic behind rules. Being inquisitive has put me in a lot of trouble in the past, but I’ll save that for another post.
One of the questions I’ve always asked is why being gay is seen as the worst thing that somebody could be. Why do gay people have to be spit on or imprisoned or burned? I’ll admit I used to be one of the people who made fun of them. I was young, questioning (not my sexuality lol) and didn’t know better.
Well, the answer is quite simple really. I believe the quote that says, “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor”. I don’t want to be the oppressor. Our society already has a lot to deal with, intolerance shouldn’t be one of them.
Many gay people have committed suicide, for fear of being mistreated by the people around them. It means a lot when someone chooses death instead of life. Think about it. I don’t want to relax and watch people’s lives being ruined by homophobia. It is the right thing to do.
Intolerance does not only affect the gay community. People are generally afraid to express themselves for the fear of being judged. This creates an antagonistic environment where we are all worried about what other people think of us (and will do to us) that we end up not doing well in other aspects of life.
Anytime I’m asked why I’m an Ally, I say that I know that I’m in a position to help make more people accepting. Something that believers always say that contradicts their actions is, “I don’t hate the sinner, I hate the sin”. I’m curious why people are not punished for fornicating, being proud, jealous or greedy? Why is being gay the ‘worst sin’ of all?
I’ll encourage people who want to be allies to be open about it, else you’re really not doing anything. I’m proud of myself for being part of a movement that wants to help the world become more tolerable for everyone.