Self-Organizing Man

on May 1st, I stood with over 700 other people of faith, queer and allies, in front of Focus on the Family headquarters in Colorado Springs, CO.  This was a rally/protest/celebration/action put on by SoulForce, Inc.

Soulforce is a national, interfaith group dedicated to freedom from political and spiritual oppression for GLBT people.  It follows the teachings of Gandi and MLK Jr., in using "relentless, nonviolent resistance" to "take the truth in love" to those who spread lies and misunderstandings in their campaigns of fear and hatred.

Dr. James Dobson, as the founder of Focus on the Family, is one of the largest voices of spiritual violence against queers in this country.  He calls us, literally, monsters, out to destroy America and the American family.  Hello?  Anybody home?

The sad but predictable thing was that Dr. Dobson was, imagine this, out of state when Soulforce came to visit.  Yes, he had over a year’s warning to come up with a very good reason to be gone.  This was no minor event.

As we stood in the snow, listening to speakers and Christian pop singers Jason and di Marco, we laughed at the silliness and cried at the devastation that Dr. Dobson’s words cause.  We carried giant pictures of 7 young men who had committed suicide after hearing words like Dobson’s.  We carried two caskets full of over 1,000 letters from individuals and families telling what Dr. Dobson’s words had done to our families.  Rather than listen to  us, they closed down their headquarters for FOUR days.

One of the speakers made a good point.  "Dr. Dobson probably thinks it will be a cold day in hell when he changes his mind.  Well, it’s here!"  (It was 30* and snowing on May 1st at the rally!  Okay, maybe this is only funny if you stood there for 3 1/2 hours…

Dr. Dobson is not my enemy.  Dr. Dobson is my misinformed brother.  His words do horrible damage, but I will not question his beliefs.  He truly believes the things he speaks.  Beating him down will not change him, damning him will only prove me to be the monster he thinks I am.  I, and the other folks in Soulforce, will continue to carry the truth in love to him until he hears with the ears of his heart.

Ona Marae