The O-town Scene - Oneonta, NY
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/27737
Being the gay activist that I Diversity Rules Jim Koury Don’t turn the other cheek, respect equality We always hear phrases such as “love your enemies” and “turn the other cheek.” When I hear things like this my first reac- tion is, “They are nuts!” Why should I love someone who seeks to do harm to me or allow someone to cast aspersions toward me and not say anything? I find it very difficult to subscribe to this line of thinking, but when you think about it, the universe will ultimately bring forth what you hold to be true and manifest it upon society. The universe will attract the energy that is being emitted from an individual and deliver the focus of that energy. It is a truth that has been proven time and time again. You are what you think. You receive what you ask for, whether good or bad. So why not try to emit good thoughts and emotions to facilitate the return of the same? am, I have a tendency to focus on what our detractors say and the many despicable things they do in the name of reli- gion or whatever it is that they adhere to. The most visible case in point is the Westboro Baptist Church. How can one listen to their horrific rant- ing and watch them protest funerals and not want to bring harm to them? I know I want to reach into the TV or the computer and zap them down. I find myself saying, “Oh, if only murder was legal!” But then I remind myself that they are com- mitted to what they believe. Despite how vile and atrocious they are, they do have a right to say what they want, when they want. It is a stretch to love them and turn the other cheek. But we must hold tight to our truth of equality and justice for all, instead of focusing on nega- tivity and narrow-mindedness. The truth will prevail. We see each day more and We must hold tight to our truth of equality and justice for all, instead of focusing on negativity and narrow-mindedness. more acceptance of LGBTQ individuals. Most recently, new polls show that, for the first time, a majority of Americans support gay marriage. We must continue to hold tightly to our belief that equality will be won. It shall be so if we focus on what is good and just instead of the repulsive rant- ing of narrow-minded people. Jim Koury was born and raised in Oneonta. He is a gay activist, and the city clerk of Oneonta, a position he has held for 18 years. He can be reached at editor@diversityrulesmagazine.com. LGBTQ EVENTS Thurs. 3/24 Fri. 3/25 Trash Thursday with Katrina, 9 p.m. Mer- lin’s, 201 State St., Binghamton. College Night at Merlin’s, 8 p.m., 201 State St., Binghamton. College ID’s in free before 11:00 p.m. Tues. 3/29 Fri. 4/1 Piano Bar with Lukus Wells, 9 p.m., Mer- lin’s, 201 State St., Binghamton. George Walsh Back to Human Tour, 9 p.m., Black Box Theater at the Stone Mill, Little Falls. Sat. 4/2 Sat. 4/9 Star Crazy – Celebrating with the Legend- ary Ladies of the Silver Screen, 7 to 10 p.m., The Lost Dog, Violet Room, 222 Water St., Binghamton A Songwriter’s Evening: Acoustic and Folk Originals: Black Box Theater at The Stone Mill, Little Falls, NY, 7:30 p.m. Sat. 4/16 Are you interested in writing a guest column for the Diversity Scene? E-mail Cassandra at editor@otownscene.com 26 O-Town Scene March 24, 2011 Comedy Night at The Black Box Theater: Features Amy Carlson, 8:00 p.m. Sun. 4/17 Fri. 4/22 STAP’s Rock Star Celebrity Bartending Bash, 4 to 7 p.m., Tranquil Bar and Bis- tro, 36 Pine St., Binghamton. A fundraiser for the Southern Tier AIDS Program. Color Me Streisand: A Streisand tribute at Twist Ultra Lounge, Syracuse, NY, 9:00 p.m. Sat. 4/30 Southern Tier AIDS Walk/Run, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Recreation Park, Beethoven Street, Binghamton. the Diversity Scene March 24-30