I think that this essay shows that you need to do the things that you think are right and stand up for the things you believe in. It doesn't really matter what other people think of you as long as YOU are happy with your decision. Kathleen was a mother of four children who all attended "religion orientated" schools, married, and had parents who were also very involved in religion. With all of this going for her, Kathleen still wasn't happy until she decided to admit to herself and everyone surrounding her that she was a lesbian. Even though not one person in her family understood or accepted her the way she now was, she knew this was who she was and who she was meant to be. She knew that in order to be happy and to be the person she was made to be, she would have to live the lifestyle she felt was meant for her. Everyone in her life basically turned against her but she still pushed forward on what she thought was right.
Question of Value:
In our society gay and lesbian people are often shunned and looked at as "confused". I think that each individual should have the opportunity to pursue the lifestyle in which they think will make them happy. After all, that is why we live in the place called America, right? No one should be judged just based on their sexuality. Therefore, I think that Kathleen shouldn't have be treated the way she was by those people that had loved her her whole life, just because she changed her sexual orientation. That isn't the reason why you care about somebody, and just because your sexual orientation changes, shouldn't mean your love for a certain individual should change.
Like I said in responding to China, if her family really loved her, they would have supported her. I think they are a poor excuse for a family, and she probably will become a better person w/o them. I think it was pathetic what they did and they get whats coming to them.
Posted by: Jen Sherbo at November 8, 2004 06:39 PM