Skip to content

A mother’s perspective

‘Start thinking how you would feel if people protested your existence,’ Chilliwack mother writes
14159897_web1_web-letterstotheeditor-teaser

I am writing this in response to trustees Barry Nuefeld and Darrell Furgason’s comments on social media after they were elected and the horrible comments that have followed by their supporters.

How far have we really come as a “progressive”, “forward” society when we still have people murdered, beaten, taunted, shamed, dismissed and denied the same rights as everyone else, all for one reason: sexual orientation/sexual identity.

Think for a minute, sit and really think, if one day complete strangers, followed by your government decided that you could no longer be heterosexual, who you are, who you were born to be.

Let that sink in..

Being afraid for your life, scared to let anyone know, mocked, ostracized, your existence denied, having your friends and family whom you have loved your entire life turn their backs on you, losing out on that perfect job, not allowed to marry the person you love, denied access to use a washroom. Just Imagine.

I can’t!

My heart is broken for every single LGBTQ person affected by this insane need to control another person’s identity, sexual orientation and the denial of their human rights – rights that any heterosexual person would fight for if the LGBTQ community and government were actively trying to keep them from you.

What’s even more horrifying to me is the bigoted disgusting comments applauding these actions, those who think it’s ok because “gays” and “trans” are perverts, subhumans, or they go against what God says.

Well here’s what I say to you and anyone who thinks like you:

My son isn’t a “gay” or “fag.”He is a human being!

My son isn’t a pervert! He doesn’t run around molesting children or trying to “turn” anyone gay!

My son isn’t going against what your God says!

He is being exactly who he was born to be, a kind, caring, thoughtful, loving, compassionate, contributing member of society.

How dare you say my son’s life is sin!

How dare you say his mere existence and human rights infringe upon your privileged heterosexual life!

How dare you say that who my son is at his core, is a sin!

My son is the gift I was given by God, to love and nurture and help guide into the wonderful human being he is today.

While you were taught to hate him, he was taught to love and forgive you.

You have no right to say he or anyone’s son or daughter shouldn’t exist.

You are going against your own God by hating your fellow man because of your irrational fears.

You are going against your own God by harming your fellow man, mentally, emotionally and physically.

You are going against your God by promoting violence.

How does one live with themselves, using their God to further their own fearful, hateful agenda?

Stop! Just Stop! Stop using God as your excuse for your fears, stop using God to hide your bigoted, narrow-minded, intolerance to your “fellow man”

Start thinking! Start imagining what you would do if people treated you the way you treat the LGBTQ community!

Start thinking how you would feel if you or your child couldn’t have the same rights, and respect and common human decency as everyone else.

Start thinking how you would feel if people protested your existence.

Start thinking, and while you’re thinking remember this:

Your God is watching!

Sincerely, one disgusted life long community member and fierce believer in human rights and inclusion for all.

Laura Keeley,

Chilliwack