By: John Galt

John Galt — Tue, 11 Sep 2018 07:56:37 +0000

I’d like a moment to have a bit of a bitch session on this topic. But before I do I would like to add a further statistic on suicides in LGBTQ+ youth in the USA. A recent survey has also found that LGBTQ+ teen suicide DROPPED by up to 14% in states which legalised same sex marriage. This is yet more evidence that increased acceptance (or reduced discrimination) has a real effect on the LIFE of LGBTQ+ teens. Now in SA we have an overwhelming majority christian citizenry. Upward of 80% across all ages and races. Statistics also show, the world over, that the more christian one tends to be, the more homophobic one tends to be. The reasons for this are obvious, but regrettable. It does not take a long stretch of the imagination to conclude, and I say this somewhat bluntly, that churches are killing our LGBTQ+ youth. I know it’s a strong statement but there does seem to be evidence to this effect. And I’m sure that some, if not many, readers will agree with this statement in some form or another. This really really bothers me because churches should not be playing this role in our youth. I searched the web for any organisations in SA to the effect of “The Gay Christian Action Group” (I made that up) or the like. Any organisation of gay Christians who strongly send out a different message to the usual Leviticus and Sodom and Gomorrah hate we always encounter. I couldn’t find any. Sure there are “gay churches” but why is there not an organisation which engages with all other churches on this issue?? A recent survey in New Zealand found that church attendance and affiliation to Christianity is dropping at an alarming rate. The reason? People hate the way the church treats the LGBTQ+ community. Clear and simple. How is the church going to stay relevant at all anymore if they cannot address this issue constructively, with insight and by talking to the right people? The church is driving our teens to suicide! Why is nobody addressing this formally??

Comments on: Pride flag torn to raise awareness about LGBTIQ+ suicide

By: John Galt