A Virginian to the Core
Stop 2: Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA
Tuesday, 14 March 2006
Last night, I learned in part what it feels like to be forced into silence like my LGBT counterparts at these Christian universities. During our discussion of the action planned for Regent University, which has been most unwelcoming, our leadership said that no one who was arrested at Liberty would be arrested if Regent continued to refuse us access to the campus. They were concerned that a worse penalty would be assigned since it would be two arrests in less than a week in the same state. Obviously, the leadership had our best interests at heart, but in that simple statement, I felt my voice taken away from me.
I am a Virginia resident, and never before had I felt so strongly called to claim that title that evening. I am white. I am male. I am middle class. And I can leave Virginia and escape all the discrimination and hate that is directed toward LGBT people here--that is my privilege. But there are thousands of people who cannot flee to welcoming urban centers and the so called “blue states.” Am I to flee my home for another place, or am I called to stay and fight for those who do not have the strength or power to do so? After much prayer and self-reflection, I recognized it as God’s call for me to do the latter.
This morning I made my intentions known to the Jake, Haven, and Bill, and they supported my decision to be among those prepared to accept arrest if that is what was necessary to prove to the school that our message was too important to be silenced. At our church service this morning, everyone treated me as a lamb before the slaughter. In many ways, I am viewed as fragile and innocent, and it hurt people to think that I might have to remain in jail overnight or that even worse penalties could occur.
The tears and hugs of support of my new family remained with me as I walked onto campus, stepped over the flimsy piece of caution tape intended to make me balk, and attempted to share my message of love and acceptance with Regent students. Sitting in the back of the police van with handcuffs limiting my movement, I knew that I had stood for what I believed in. I had done my state proud.
Stop 2: Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA
Tuesday, 14 March 2006
Last night, I learned in part what it feels like to be forced into silence like my LGBT counterparts at these Christian universities. During our discussion of the action planned for Regent University, which has been most unwelcoming, our leadership said that no one who was arrested at Liberty would be arrested if Regent continued to refuse us access to the campus. They were concerned that a worse penalty would be assigned since it would be two arrests in less than a week in the same state. Obviously, the leadership had our best interests at heart, but in that simple statement, I felt my voice taken away from me.
I am a Virginia resident, and never before had I felt so strongly called to claim that title that evening. I am white. I am male. I am middle class. And I can leave Virginia and escape all the discrimination and hate that is directed toward LGBT people here--that is my privilege. But there are thousands of people who cannot flee to welcoming urban centers and the so called “blue states.” Am I to flee my home for another place, or am I called to stay and fight for those who do not have the strength or power to do so? After much prayer and self-reflection, I recognized it as God’s call for me to do the latter.
This morning I made my intentions known to the Jake, Haven, and Bill, and they supported my decision to be among those prepared to accept arrest if that is what was necessary to prove to the school that our message was too important to be silenced. At our church service this morning, everyone treated me as a lamb before the slaughter. In many ways, I am viewed as fragile and innocent, and it hurt people to think that I might have to remain in jail overnight or that even worse penalties could occur.
The tears and hugs of support of my new family remained with me as I walked onto campus, stepped over the flimsy piece of caution tape intended to make me balk, and attempted to share my message of love and acceptance with Regent students. Sitting in the back of the police van with handcuffs limiting my movement, I knew that I had stood for what I believed in. I had done my state proud.
posted by Jacob Neal at 10:39 PM
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