[lifesaver]

Originally posted by UNFSigmaChi
I figured this was going to cause a little stir. Some of you guys talk like im a gay hater who's looking for the next matthew shepard to beat up. We have a difference of opinion. Just because I wouldn't want a gay Sigma Chi doesn't mean im a homophob. I may not approve of their lifestyle but its their thing, im not going to hate them because of it.

For the last statent, I applaud you. I still draw contention with your belief that its a lifestyle. But thats a societal view, shared by others as well.

I just don't feel they deserve to be in my fraternity is all. So unless your a sigma chi you can't tell me im wrong.

sorry you feel attacked. That wasnt my intent at all. Opinions arent right or wrong, they are opinions, and have no inherent value. Just like the sky, its not right or wrong, its just there. But by your above statement, you say that you are really only willing to debate the issue with other sigma chis. I could assume this is beacuse you would like to delve deeper into the teachings of your org, which dont belong on a public board. I can respect that. But I would be willing to bet my next paycheck that if you debated the issues with a broad cross section of your brothers and alumni, you just might find that their opinions mirror those on this board. I would encourage you to facilitate that debate the next time the opportunity affords itself. All parties could only learn from the debate, and isnt that how we all grow and become better memebrs of our orgs and society?

Your not going to change how I feel on this matter either. You say im wrong but what makes you think your not wrong????

I dont think anyone can change anyones opinions online. I have been debating in an attempt to understand why you believe what you believe. You put it out there, so I have the right to question it. I like the debate. As several people have said before, this is the first good debate on GC in some while. At least its diffent from the usual "what sorority is best on your campus" debate we often see here.

And don't say that being diverse in race and sexual orientation is the same thing because its not.

In a previous post, you said:

Hey, i think im going to stop being gay from today on cause you can't. ....You can repent and apologize for doing something detremental, but like I said you can't say, "Hey im sorry for being gay, I won't do it again."

How can you acknowledge that its something a person cant change, yet still say its not descrimination and its not the same as race issues, which is about the belief that it is of "something someone is unable to change;" race, gender, sexual orientation, nationalilty, place of birth, or disability.

I like what damasa said about it as diversity as well.

I would like to state for the record, that I am not a political correctness type person. I am actually republican,and quite conservative. I used to believe diversity was not important, then moved to south texas where no race is a large majority. Saw how groups from many backgrounds had to work together to get anythig accomplished. It was quite cool, and wouldnt trade my experiences for the world.

As for me I just believe that, while I havent been through your ritual, just my own, I believe that we (as greeks) have a lot of simular traits and have more in common than not. People of many different walks (including gays) have a place at the greek table, and within our organizations. 50 years ago people were raising the same objections about minorities and non-christians entering our orgs, and not only did it not destroy us, it greatly imporved us as orgs.

While you work with some gay dudes, and I dont know what they are like, please dont make the same mistake I did and assume that all gays are the same. They are just like you and me, and more often than not, you cant tell. I would hate for any of the following things happen to you or any greek house; 1. Theres a rumor or suspicion that a PNM is gay. A house passes him up and he wasnt. All parties miss out then. 2. A house passes on a PNM whom they know is gay, he joines another house and becomes one of the best brothers they have - student leader, great brother, etc. Then you miss out. Finally 3, You have a current brother come out and his friends and brothers turn their back on him, or you have a current brother live his life in fear, knowing hes different, hearing statements thrown around, hating himself because he knows he is what his best friends and brothers think doesnt deserve to be in the fraternity. To me, thats fear and hatred. And it destroys people. Thats the absolute LAST thing we as greeks stand for.