Stand up for what you believe in

I have one thought for this entry that I want to get across.

Never be ashamed of who you are and what you stand for. 

As I was walking out to my car the other day, I glanced at my libertarian and Ron Paul bumper stickers and thought to myself, “God, these conservative republicans in Alabama probably think I’m nuts.” And I have no doubt in my mind that it’s true. But I have no reason to hide my opinions, even if mine are a part of the minority in this state. I shouldn’t worry about what people think. If it bothers them, it’s not my problem. It’s not even theirs. But this isn’t even the main thing that’s been bugging me lately.

I’m a very active advocate of gay rights and equal rights across the board. The majority of my best friends are gay and I’ve always been in favor of gay rights for as long as I can remember. Because of this, people often assume that I’m gay; even those closest to me. Some have even insinuated that men won’t show an interest in me because they’ll assume I’m gay. (I could rant for hours about this point alone.)

What people think of me doesn’t bother me and hasn’t for some time now, but it bothers me that because of what I stand for and what I believe in, it MUST mean that it’s true for me. And I know a lot of others who deal with this a lot as well. Why can’t people stand up for their beliefs without having certain things assumed about them? Avid Christians are often misconstrued as bigoted, hypocritical, and bible thumping, simply because they openly voice their beliefs. Atheists are assumed to be heartless fiends with no morals. The same can be said for nearly anyone advocating any sort of belief, non-belief, or action.

What I’m trying to say is, I refuse to hide my beliefs and opinions to please anyone else. I won’t hide my opinions to help someone else sleep better at night. If I’m passionate about something and I want to share it and help the cause, then I will. If anyone assumes something about me without true knowledge, then that’s his or her problem. I think it’s so important to stand up for what you believe in, regardless of what others may think. It’s especially hard in this part of the United States …. The South is full of judgmental people. All we can do is keep living our lives openly and freely.

- Kelsey