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Written by Ashley Cee
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I grew up in a strict church family. I was taught from a very young age that unions should be between men and women, and not same sex. I went on believing this until I entered my freshman year of high school.
The first friend I made was an openly gay teenager. At first, I was put off by his flamboyant disregard for anything religious, but his charming demeanor and wit made us the best of friends. He introduced me to many of his LGBT friends, and my eyes were opened.
Here were these normal, honest, taxpaying citizens who were being demonized by the media and religious crackpots who constantly harped on their ability to "warp our children". It made me physically ill that they were denied simple rights such as marriage and service in active duty because of their sexual orientation.
It is NOT anything easy to come out to your friends and family. People I have spoken to have been disowned, beaten, chased, fired, to say the least. We should all be proud of their courage and vigor, instead of harrassing them.
I jumped right into the activism. I felt, and still feel, strongly about my love for the LGBT community, and their rights in society. Ive protested, given out flyers, anything I could do to get the word out.
Of course, my parents are not happy with my decisions. I will always do as they say, but in life, choices have to be made. I will keep fighting for those who have made me who I am today.
The battle is never over.
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