The
same hate that makes them want to get out of Norman is what’s keeping them here
to fight for a change and provide a voice for people who aren’t being heard.
According
to MarriageEquality.org, as of Nov., 21 states recognize various forms of legal
relationships, but 30 states still ban all forms of marriage except one-man-one-woman
couples. The Okla. State Senate ruled it unconstitutional for the state to
recognize or perform same-sex marriages or civil unions.
“It’s
kind of lonely being gay here, it’s pretty hidden, not many people are out
about it,” OU junior Fallon Elliot said. “But being out in Oklahoma is a way to
help others be more comfortable with themselves and so I’m glad that I’m here
for that reason.”
Elliot’s
classmate said that he also had a hard time coming out but believes the change
happening around the country will eventually come to Okla.
“In
my women’s studies class I wrote that I can’t stand living here and I wanted to
get out,” Mason Chance Lilly said. “My professor responded and said that it’s
really unfortunate I feel that way because Oklahoma really needs people like
you here to help it become more accepted. Now I feel guilty for wanting to
leave.”
Dr.
Brent Landau is a religious studies professor at OU and said he makes a point
to talk about homosexuality in all of his classes.
“I
feel called to be in Norman, I want people to understand that being gay is a
perfectly normal thing,” Landau said. “It’s important for students to hear
opposite opinions of what they’ve heard in church or from home. What they need
is a more balanced understanding about what the Bible does and doesn’t say
about homosexuality.”
“I
view it as something that is the same as somebody having red hair or being able
to wiggle their ears,” Landau said. “In the same way we shouldn’t be judging
people on their hair color or the way they look we shouldn’t be judging people
on their sexual preferences as long as they are expressing it in loving
relationships.”
