As we celebrate the recent Supreme Court decision that has finally legalized same sex marriage nationwide, we still have a quite a long way to go.

This past weekend I scrolled through hundreds of Facebook posts from family and friends across the country--of all sexual orientations--expressing their joy, rainbow profile pictures and pride. However, it took just one post to remind me that not all feel the same way and that some still oppose. I find it baffling that some still don't realize that being attracted to someone of the same sex, or someone of any gender identity, is not a choice--although homophobia is. Since I was a child and didn't even really know what it meant for someone to be gay, I knew that it was okay, because love is love.

I grew up going to church every Sunday and learning about the Bible with my mom teaching me what it meant to lead a Christian life, and never did that entail who I would date or marry someday. I listened to sermons and scriptures, never once hearing one that told of burning in Hell for being attracted to someone of the same gender. What I did hear were verses telling me to be kind to others, lend a helping hand, to love my neighbor. Why on earth would I dislike or judge someone for who they love?

I remember walking down the streets at my city's annual music festival, filled with teenagers and young adults, listening to a preacher blare through a megaphone that so many of them were sinners and were sure to be condemned, whether it was for drinking, smoking, promiscuity or holding hands with another member of the same sex. If we're going purely off of scripture, isn't it up to God to provide final judgement for our actions, and not us?

Though I identify as a Christian, I can't speak for Christianity as a whole, nor any other religion, nor those that don't practice any religion at all. Religion is a personal experience that differs for everyone, and is altered for each individual's separate ideals and values. Therefore, when speaking on behalf of views of marriage, one speaks for their individual self and their own perceptions, not reflecting an entire religion. Religion can shape one's views of something, but ultimately it is the individual's decision of how literally, drastically, or wholeheartedly something is taken. Yes, we've modified interpretations of scripture, or followed some more closely than others. The religious beliefs we tailor then coincide with modern day ideals and remain with our own personal ones, not to mention the fact that this country is supposed to be based off of the right to have a freedom of (or lack thereof) religion. Even if one does believe that their religion prohibits them from having same-sex relationships, by no means does that mean others of the same religion may feel the same, or that they are looking to have their interpretation changed. I'm not saying people can be forced into becoming tolerant, but am asking those who blame their intolerance on their religious beliefs to stop, because I am tired of others of the same religious identity's claiming we may share the same God, when they preach hate and judgement. This is not about religion, but about the individual's own thoughts. It is time to start realizing it lies aside of an entire congregation's faith, and solely on the individual's morals and what love means to them.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away."

-1st Corinthians 13:4-8