Monday, June 21, 2010

He's trying to do something good...

There seems to be a lot of emotional reaction stirred up over the upcoming fireside presentation scheduled for Idaho Falls this next weekend. I understand where the emotion and reaction come from, recognizing the misinformation, hurtful guidance and misleading or confusing council in the past when homosexuality and Church come together in the same place.

I know the word "professionals" sends a nasty chill up my spine and makes me leery of what might be said, labeling those like me as "diseased" or "broken", needing to be "fixed". But, I would like to give the benefit of the doubt that this event has the potential to be something different... at least I hope so. I've known Bravone (Steve) personally for almost three decades now, and have found him to be nothing but honest and caring and genuine. As I understand his motives, he isn't doing this for his own purposes of being in the spotlight or gaining notoriety or fame or acclamation. What's in it for him? I mean, wouldn't it be better if he just let it die and not continue to poke at it? Wouldn't it be easier to just disappear and say nothing or do nothing (as many of us in his situation do)?

Instead, he is doing it to help others, to offer his hand of support - and why? Because he cares! This guy truly cares! He is trying to do something, trying to get more information out there, trying to improve dialog and dismiss the misinformation that circles around the church. As one who has gone through hell and back, as one who has left the church and now come back, he knows both sides, and simply wants to help. And he's doing it at his own personal risk, putting himself out there not as the "poster child", but as a voice - a sensitive and genuine voice - of one who knows.

I think he should be commended for his efforts. I think we should withhold judgment and let the event speak for itself. Hopefully the feelings and discussions and workshops will bring more understanding and different perspectives as members and priesthood leaders see real faces, real lives, real people - faces that represent the silent ones like me.

I commend Steve for trying, for being an ice-breaker, and hopefully for making it easier down the road for others to follow and continue to bring "face" to this discussion.

Steve, you're a better man than I, and I am in awe of what you are trying to do (and I still say you are absolutely CRAZY for even attempting to pull this off - it's a "damned if you do / damned if you don't" scenario, where potentially both sides will scoff and reject you - so who wins?), and I thank you for that - for "trying" instead of just sitting back and watching it take fold from a comfortable, safe and anonymous distance.

6 comments:

Bravone said...

Grazie fratello. Sai che ti voglio bene, no?

Beck said...

Senz'altro! E lo stesso a te!

In bocca al lupo. Ti pensero' spesso questo weekend che viene.

Ned said...

This is my fear. If I ever go to lunch with you two, you'll just launch into Italian at some point and I'll be left sitting there relying on voice inflections and body language. :)

p.s. Kudos to both of you. Steve, for your courage and hustle in trying--the intent of the heart counts for much in my book, and in the books of someone else I look up to. Beck for understanding, for really getting it and showing your support. (Incidentally, I like the new look of your blog and the subtle or perhaps not so subtle reference to the Jungian shadow.)

Samantha said...

Pfft...what are you worried about? I'll be there--it will be loads of fun and you should come. :-)

MoHoHawaii said...

I hope you all will read and comment on my recent blog post that is somewhat related to this topic.

Good luck with the fireside.

Beck said...

NED: Someday, you and Bravone and I will need to go to lunch... and I promise to keep the Italian down to a minimum!

Yes, I may be giving my "support" to Steve, but I'm doing so in the shadows,behind the scenes, and mostly in a "moral support" role, still in the world of anonymity. I am not out there standing next to him, giving "face" to a gay active and believing Mormon, as he is.

SAM: If you're going to be there then, by all means, the event will be a raging success!

MOHOH: You have my complete support, and I am grateful for your constant support for me and my MOM.