O.K. Deep breath.
I am a little scared to write this. Actually, a lot scared. You know that thing everyone seems to be talking about these days? Maybe you have heard it on the news or especially on the lips of politicians? Starts with an H and rhymes with momomexuality?
Yes, homosexuality. A word laced with dirty taboos. A showy, jazz-handsy kind of word. A word that has its ups and downs, its winning and losing moments and its undeniable power to strike a fiery, heated debate. People cower from the word as if it’s going to cast some type of voodoo spell on them. I mean, while homosexuality is pretty magical, it is not witchcraft. Hurtful words targeted toward the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community are flung daily in every kind of medium. They can only dodge so much.
Which is the exact reason I am scared to write this. And to be honest, I should not be.
No one should ever have fear for being born the way they are. No one should wake up and put on their “straight” face. They should be able to display their “Wizard of Oz” memorabilia (or sports memorabilia because not all gays are feminine, just like all lesbians do not wear trucker hats and gym shorts; some love getting dolled up) as proudly as they want.
If you were given the chance to stand in front of two doors, one labeled “BE BULLIED FOR LIFE,” the other labeled “NOT BE BULLIED FOR LIFE,” which one would you choose? Everyone just wants to be accepted, and let’s be real: the LGBTQ community does not choose to be bullied.
The members of the LGBTQ community should be able to walk down streets being completely who they are. They should be able to smile, laugh and well, be the true definition of gay: happy. While most have no problem with expressing themselves (hello, pride parades), others are deathly afraid of judgment.
Here’s what I hope to do with this column: show all sides of the LGBTQ culture. It’s a new America, and I will be your tour guide on all things rainbow. To your left, LGBTQ studies major  is now offered at many universities. To your right, more homosexual characters appear on primetime television than ever before. Cue Diana Ross’s “I’m Coming Out.”
I also hope to ease some tension in this here Bible Belt. Instead of bickering and casting wicked glares, everyone should resolve issues. Be nice to each other. I promise, being nice is really fun. I want to explore everyone’s view and opinion and shed some light in these very dark times. I might be a young man, but I am still afraid of the dark.
I hope to open some minds. I hope minds will be changed. The LGBTQ community is not a secret society in hooded cloaks with hidden agendas out to get anyone. They are normal human beings living normal lives just like everyone else. Sure, some members of the community have some pretty colorful interests, but what is so bad about that? Calling someone abnormal causes him or her to feel like an alien invader from Planet Gay. Everyone has the right to feel normal.
And finally, my purpose is not to offend but to enlighten. We all have to live together in America, the land of the free. So let’s be American, and be free.