Healing :)

Happy Wednesday everyone! Sorry for taking so long to update, but I have been busy busy busy! This weekend was exciting if not painful. I was riding my bike with my friend Kristi, and majorly crashed it. I ended up having to go to the hospital. My arm and leg are COVERED in bruises, it was pretty brutal. I learned a valuable lesson however. PAY ATTENTION while riding. It’s crucial J I got my arm wrapped at the hospital and became dedicated to Ibuprofen for the remainder of my weekend. On Sunday I went to the Black Swamp Arts festival. It is in downtown Bowling Green every year. Basically a bunch of artists and vendors come together for a really fun weekend of music, art, and food! I only dropped by due to the on and off DOWNPOUR.  None the less, it was a good time. On Monday in my Intro to Social work Class our instructor decided to address the concept of ‘core values.” In other words, what are our moral beliefs, what we think and decide to be right and wrong.  To get the juices flowing, the teacher  threw out a few topics.

1)      Death Penalty

2)      Government assisted healthcare

3)      Treatment of criminals

4)      Gay Marriage and Gay adoption.

We split into groups and discussed the different issues. Then Professor Adams called the class together so all eight of us could share our varying opinions.The death penalty arose some passion amongst the class. One girl teared up and declared her need for revenge of the man who killed her family member. Other students protested, holding life at a higher value. Personally, the death penalty muddles my brain. I see both sides and I am extremely thankful to not have to make those decisions. Government health care and treatment of criminals were engaging but not very impassioned. Then came the last issue. Gay rights. I had kept silent most of class, and remained firmly in my pre-determined safe zone. I am very recently out of the closet, and I do not flaunt my sexuality. When several girls started advocating for only heterosexual marriage and say gay couples shouldn't have those rights,because of their religious views, I felt my muscles tense. Timidly, I raised my hand and waited. When I was called on to speak, I could feel myself shaking. I sat up as tall as I could and cleared my throat. "This is personal issue for me.. because I'm and Lesbian" I managed to say confidently (As feigned as that emotion was) I felt eighty eyes instantly fall on me. I could almost hear them hissing.. "Omg.. there is a LESBIAN in here?!?!" I pushed away my terror and continued to speak.
"I strongly believe same sex couples should have the right to marry. As far as civil unions go, separate is NOT equal. I respect all religions in this country and Im not fighting for the right to marry in a church where being gay is against their belief. I do however, think I have the right to a marriage reconized by our government. One of the most amazing things about this nation is our freedoms and seperation of church and state. When you illegible gay marriage, you blur that line" Still in shock that I had said something so revealing about myself, and in such an assertive manner in front of my classmates, I slipped out the door at the end of class.  Walking towards the union, two girls caught up with me.
"That was so amazing and brave" they said to me, "Congrats" A huge smile broke out of my face.
"Thanks" I responded back, attempting to not sound too dorky or thrilled. "I really appreciate that" I felt lighter and wanted to practically skip to my next class. I guess what I learned that day in class, was faith in people, and that pride... sets you free.
xoxoxoxoxo
-Margaret