This week's current event I feel has spoke numbers in the movement of equal rights. A student, graduating from his college as Valedictorian, used his opportunity of his grand speech to come out. Not only was this a big surprise in general, but what was more astonishing was that he performed this act for the graduating class of a Mormon school. The valedictorian chose to open up about his sexualityduring his convocation speech at Brigham Young University, saying it was "important to share both for myself and the LGBTQ+ community at BYU" Brigham Young University was founded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The university's honor code says that while "same-gender attraction is not an Honor Code issue," the school has a "strict commitment to the law of chastity." "Homosexual behavior is inappropriate and violates the Honor Code," the university policy reads. "Homosexual behavior includes not only sexual relations between members of the same sex, but all forms of physical intimacy that give expression to homosexual feelings." Easton told CNN affiliate KUTV he felt more support than he ever had before. And while not everyone applauded his announcement, Easton stands by his decision. He continued to exclaim to reporters that he just felt that he needed to do it. The graduate wrapped up his political science degree with a 4.0 GPA -- and thousands of supporters rallying behind him. Earlier this month, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reversed its policies regarding blessings and baptisms for children whose parents are a part of the LGBT+ community. They can now be baptized at 8 years old, instead of waiting until they are 18.
https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2019/04/valedictorian-utahs-homophobic-university-comes-graduation-speech/
This event can be related to the long history of Birmingham discrimination not only within LGBTQ+ but also race. I think we can all agree as history continues, we will continually grow as a nation in equal acception of all.
This really is astonishing. For a church that has been against homosexuality for all of its existence, it is crazy to see change come.
ReplyDeleteIt’s really amazing to see this, doing this in front of people who normally don’t approve is really brave and good for him ~ Stephannie Hernandez
ReplyDeleteThis boy was extremely brave and hopefully he receives support from his loved ones. I hope that he will receive acceptance from his church and friends and family.
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