Resources available for families of gays

I attended a meeting held by Bob Vander Plaats on March 15. Concisely, his message is that sex is for reproduction, therefore same-sex marriage is abomination. For him, only a literal and conservative reading of the Bible is the “higher standard” that defines “truth.” No differing religious interpretations are allowed. According to Bob, the Varnum decision by the Iowa Supreme Court voided one-man/one-woman marriage. Bob continued that God has three institutions on Earth marriage, the church and the government.

During the Q&A, I respectfully witnessed to the crowd and offered a resource for love. I said I was a member of PFLAG (Parents, Family, Friends of Lesbians and Gays.) I said, even if you think it can't happen to you, just wait, a gay family member you love will come out. If you really love them but are conflicted by their sexual orientation, talk to us. We've all been there.

You see, God created my gay son exactly as he is. It's not a lifestyle choice, it's not a sin, it's who he is, and I love him with all my heart, I want him to keep his right, in Iowa, to marry the person he loves.

We meet the fourth Thursday each month at 6:30 p.m. at Coffee Talk Cafe, Kirkwood CT SW. We can help you love your family.

Dave Langston

Cedar Rapids