Civil Rights Veteran Speaks for LGBT rights
Jacob Matthes
Posted on: 10/16/08 Section: News
An association of civil rights centered clubs welcomed Sylvia Rhue, director of religious affairs for the National Black Justice Coalition, to Harbeson Hall for her second appearance in a ten-college tour entitled "Stepping Into History."
"This is the first time we've really gone this political. We are just trying to shake prop 8 in people's faces," commented Lauren Eras. Eras, president of PCC's Rainbow Alliance, one of the clubs responsible for organizing Rhue's appearance, admittedly realized the political relevance Rhue's presentation could serve to voters trying to make a decision on prop 8.
The upcoming proposition that, if passed, could nullify California's Supreme Court ruling in favor of gay marriage seemed to be the centerpiece of the night's discussion.
And though she tried her hardest to sound as if she wasn't lobbying against any specific legislation, Rhue let it be known where she stood on the issue.
"It's not about anal sex. It's not about brainwashing all the kids. We're [LGBT] not about to go around recruiting children," said Rhue.
Rhue's objective to display, in a revealing light, the mal-intent of the religious opposition to same sex relationships included a screening of some of the nation's most influential spiritual leaders, such as Rod Parsley, in the act of spreading aggressively misconstrued information about non heterosexual lifestyles. The audience was shocked to witness borderline hate speech being disguised as sermon.
"I don't know if I could handle watching another video like that. It is so hateful and untrue," Said Eras.
Rhue travels everywhere she goes with a copy of the bible and the U.S. Constitution. Holding them both in the air she asked the audience which one was the law. In this question stood the argument delivered throughout the presentation. "I am a person of faith. I take the bible seriously, not literally," said Rhue.
The tour itself focuses on presenting college students with a witty and sarcastic look at the religious opposition to same sex marriage. It is formatted as a communal discussion reflecting whether or not conservative spin has started to irrationally construe spirituality, preventing social equality.
Rhue is a veteran activist who has been involved in political change since the Civil Rights Movement. Born in Pasadena, her days of aspiring for change began just blocks from the very podium she spoke from.
She introduced herself with the story of what made her leave Pasadena. When she became aware that fellow students were commenting on her sexuality she fled the state. Her return lacked the sensitivity about her sexuality with which she might have left. Openly gay and avidly spiritual she spoke with a tone of self-esteem that only comes from individuals of strong and experienced mind.
By the end of the discussion someone within the audience questioned how far LGBT rights had come, and whether or not complete equality was somewhere in the near future.
"We aren't there yet. What's going on in America right now proves we're not there yet…this is all a process, a journey, and we are just in the middle of it," replied Rhue.
"This is the first time we've really gone this political. We are just trying to shake prop 8 in people's faces," commented Lauren Eras. Eras, president of PCC's Rainbow Alliance, one of the clubs responsible for organizing Rhue's appearance, admittedly realized the political relevance Rhue's presentation could serve to voters trying to make a decision on prop 8.
The upcoming proposition that, if passed, could nullify California's Supreme Court ruling in favor of gay marriage seemed to be the centerpiece of the night's discussion.
And though she tried her hardest to sound as if she wasn't lobbying against any specific legislation, Rhue let it be known where she stood on the issue.
"It's not about anal sex. It's not about brainwashing all the kids. We're [LGBT] not about to go around recruiting children," said Rhue.
Rhue's objective to display, in a revealing light, the mal-intent of the religious opposition to same sex relationships included a screening of some of the nation's most influential spiritual leaders, such as Rod Parsley, in the act of spreading aggressively misconstrued information about non heterosexual lifestyles. The audience was shocked to witness borderline hate speech being disguised as sermon.
"I don't know if I could handle watching another video like that. It is so hateful and untrue," Said Eras.
Rhue travels everywhere she goes with a copy of the bible and the U.S. Constitution. Holding them both in the air she asked the audience which one was the law. In this question stood the argument delivered throughout the presentation. "I am a person of faith. I take the bible seriously, not literally," said Rhue.
The tour itself focuses on presenting college students with a witty and sarcastic look at the religious opposition to same sex marriage. It is formatted as a communal discussion reflecting whether or not conservative spin has started to irrationally construe spirituality, preventing social equality.
Rhue is a veteran activist who has been involved in political change since the Civil Rights Movement. Born in Pasadena, her days of aspiring for change began just blocks from the very podium she spoke from.
She introduced herself with the story of what made her leave Pasadena. When she became aware that fellow students were commenting on her sexuality she fled the state. Her return lacked the sensitivity about her sexuality with which she might have left. Openly gay and avidly spiritual she spoke with a tone of self-esteem that only comes from individuals of strong and experienced mind.
By the end of the discussion someone within the audience questioned how far LGBT rights had come, and whether or not complete equality was somewhere in the near future.
"We aren't there yet. What's going on in America right now proves we're not there yet…this is all a process, a journey, and we are just in the middle of it," replied Rhue.
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