As a white, upper middle class, straight female, I am barely a minority, but I speak for those who are. We have recently given gays the right to marry whom they choose, but that was not our right to hand out; it was a pre existing one we struggled to face. In the United States a newborn majority of 55% of residents are in favor of allowing same-sex marriage, but what about that other 39%? (“Changing Attitudes on Gay Marriage.”)

So far in my life I have not been openly discriminated against, but those 39% opposed to gay marriage directly go against an entire community spanning over about 1.7% of the United States (Newport). Although that may be small, I think we all know at least one person within that 1.7%. Thinking of that one person, would you tell him or her that you think his or her nature is gross, unethical, or evil? For most, the answer to that is no, so if you can’t deny someone his or her rights to his or her face, why do it behind his or her back?

The recent majority of those in favor of same-sex marriage is not large enough. Of the people I know, I couldn’t see any publically announcing their disdain for gays.  Some may argue my acquaintances live within a small bubble, but, as small as it is, I do think it is representative of the world itself, because isn’t everyone encapsulated in his or her own bubble? Taking that, I think it is time to pop our bubbles and experience the world and its quirks, a challenge for all of us that I believe will be worth the effort.

A major force keeping us from accepting all is religion. Every form of religion opposes someone or something.  Considering how much the world has evolved since many of these religions were created, basing modern assumptions on ancient religions concepts is, to me, unacceptable. Basing your beliefs on a book created centuries ago ultimately makes you blind to the world and all of its beauty, holding you back from what you could do without personal restraint. I believe that if we considered what being gay is for ourselves instead of letting something centuries old decide for us, we would all realize that they are just people too and we deserve the right to marry whom we choose. Living in fear of what happens to you in the afterlife simply causes people to be afraid of living life. I understand having a strong belief in a higher power, but I do not believe people are born to hate gays; they are taught to, and religion is a guiding factor in what many learn.

It is time for previous generations to take advantage of the influence they have over their children and let them know that it’s okay to love anyone and everyone, no matter someone’s gender. Love is love, and we can help our kids create a better world to live in. Starting with this generation, we can change everything. The power we have to alter the world is tremendous, and we have to reap the benefits that come with it.

After reading this, you may ask, why should I care what happens after I’m gone? The only answer I can give you is simple; what if people hadn’t cared about slavery, women’s rights, or your own rights? Would you still oppose same-sex marriage?

Works Cited

“Changing Attitudes on Gay Marriage.” Pew Research Centers Religion Public Life Project RSS.Pew Research Centers, 28 July 2015. Web. 10 Jan. 2016.

Newport, Frank. “Americans Greatly Overestimate Percent Gay, Lesbian in U.S.” Gallup.com.Gallup, 21 May 2015. Web. 10 Jan. 2016.