My intent in this article is not to argue about the morality or acceptability of the LGBTQ+ orientation/lifestyle. Instead, I would like to bring attention to the hypocrisy of the anti-hate narrative being spun by some members of this community, including supporters who are not LGBTQ+ personally. I will be calling this community the LGBTQ+C.
Both before and after this issue became a trending topic, I had very rarely seen bullying or hatred spewed towards the LGBTQ+C. It is exceedingly more common that I see members of this community attacking* those who do not agree with them. Of course this does not mean this is the case everywhere, but I’ve noticed that several others also have this experience. It seems these members of LGBTQ+C will not tolerate dissent despite their adoption of the word tolerance.
I’ve also noticed that those who identify as LGBTQ+ whom I know personally tend to not be this way. Even when they know that as a Christian and an anti-abortion activist the chances that I am an LGBTQ+C supporter are statistically slim,** they still refuse to lecture or attack me. Most of the hate speech I’ve seen comes from those who do not identify personally as LGBTQ+ but who support it, and even from those who believe the LGBTQ+ lifestyle is morally wrong but still want to love this community. They proceed to attack or purposely offend those they think of as opponents.
I don’t know what to make of this, but either way these actions by the LGBTQ+C are clearly hypocritical and far more common than society is acknowledging.
I am certain that this community has and still does suffer from bullying and hate, and I do not want to minimize this. But if the LGBTQ+C is so strongly against hate, it should not be the case that there are a significant number of people, such as myself, who have seen LGBTQ+C hatred displayed more often than that of their opponents. ***
When the LGBTQ+C engages in this hate speech, they not only damage themselves, but they also damage their cause greatly. This is true for any cause. If their purpose is to make the ones who agree with them feel good by using hate speech against their opponents, this only works for LGBTQ+C members who enjoy this method, which does not promote love. But if their purpose is to convince, educate, or communicate with those who are not on their side, they are only serving to increase the hatred they claim to be against.
When you believe strongly in something, it can be difficult to respond lovingly to every opponent, and this is understandable. But it is not right to respond with hate on purpose and then to make excuses about how opponents deserved it.
*Attacking, hate speech etc.= treatment solely intended to anger, insult, or otherwise harm. This means it is not trying to educate, communicate, or persuade, for example.
**There are several notable members of the LGBTQ+C who are Christians and/or anti-abortion. What I mean is that the ones I’m referring to are not being kind to me just because they assume I am a supporter.
***And indeed, this may not be the case. I am writing based on my own experience and the experiences of those I’ve noticed who feel the same.
