I don’t usually write posts about religion or politics, but recent events compel me to do a little bit of both. I’ll be honest, when I first heard that the legislature and governor of a state I am usually proud to call my home had passed a bill essentially allowing discrimination, my first reaction was anger. The way this law was passed, the content of the law, and the obvious hatred behind it infuriated me. That it should be associated with my home state of North Carolina broke my heart.
But this is Holy Week, and I’ve been going to church a lot this week. I’ve been hearing stories about acts of love so great as to be almost incomprehensible. And so I’ve made a decision. I have made a choice. I have chosen to meet hatred not with anger and vitriol, but with love. I have chosen to turn one of the worst things the leaders of my state have done in recent times into a force for positive change in my own life.
Here is my vow—know this to be true. If you are a lesbian, if you are gay, if you are bisexual, if you are transgender, or if you just plain aren’t sure, I will love you. Yes, I will support you and I will use my vote to fight for you, but more importantly I will love you. If you see me in the street or at the store or in a restaurant or at church and you need a hug, I’m your man. If you need someone to tell you that you are accepted just the way you are, I’m the guy. If you want me to tell you that I know you to be a beautiful part of the magnificent diversity of creation, I will tell you again and again, because it is true.
If you run a business that is openly accepting of our wonderful LGBTQ community, I will be your loyal customer. If you run a non-profit that serves the needs of these too often overlooked but vital members of our society, I will write you a check. And for God’s sake, if you need to use whatever restroom I am using, come on in. You are welcome. You are welcome in my heart and in my life and in my church and in my community because I love you.
I know that the legislature and the governor do not speak for all or even most of the citizens of this state. So if you live in North Carolina and you are not a member of the LGBTQ community, take this vow with me. Take every member of this community into your heart. Accept them, celebrate them, love them. If we all do this, this law will have no meaning. I believe that love can conquer hate. Will you join me?
Mary Post says
March 26, 2016 at 9:31 pmThank you Charlie. For myself and for Merris
Daniel Singer says
March 26, 2016 at 10:26 pmI’m feeling the love, thank you Charlie.
Matt Crandall says
March 26, 2016 at 10:50 pmI applaud your ability to turn the other cheek and meet hate with love. It is a rare gift.
Nan Griswold says
March 26, 2016 at 11:55 pmI agree- fight hate with love as we have seen so many times as we saw in Charleston SC a forgiveness beyond anything I have seen in my lifetime!
Marianne says
March 27, 2016 at 8:44 amBeautifully said and so very important.
Raenette says
March 27, 2016 at 10:12 amLove this post. Seeing so much hate & anger on public display lately has been very discouraging and worrisome. Can’t believe our great state has fallen so far. Have you considered running for office? Lol!
Kirby Carespodi says
March 27, 2016 at 10:51 amI’m with you!
Jay Coombes says
March 27, 2016 at 8:04 pmI will join you. I was planning to write just such a statement. I still plan to. I will use some of your points, but I promise to give you credit. In fact I may use the entire piece and foot note it.
Elizabeth Lovett Grover says
March 28, 2016 at 7:20 amAnd I, your sister, will also love not only all people, but especially my little brother, of whom I am very proud. Indeed love is what it is all about. Must have been all that mean big sister stuff that created this loving man.
Georgiana Hall says
March 28, 2016 at 5:55 pmExcellent post, Charlie.
Scott Jones says
April 2, 2016 at 4:06 amGreat writing, great read, great thoughts, great heart.
Anita Barnes says
April 11, 2016 at 5:49 pmI stand with you. It’s a wonderful pledge!
Pollie Howland says
June 15, 2016 at 6:16 pmHere, hear! Brilliantly put sir.
I am a relatively recent home owner and book lover in historic New Bern, NC. My husband and I were shocked and embarrassed that this bill had been passed in our adopted state of residence. You have eloquently rebutted a narrow minded, hate filled law for us. Thank you.
We already do embrace folks of any persuasion and always have. I was raised in the heart of San Francisco during the 60’s through 80’s and naturally accept all ways of life that are kind and loving, hurting no one.
Judging a person for the sexual orientation they were born with is ridiculous. It is difficult enough for straight folks to deal with everyday life, I can’t imagine what LGBTQ folks have to bravely rise above. They have always been ” a beautiful part of the magnificent diversity of creation” to me, not to be ridiculed, condemned or vilified.
I am with you sir and applaud your decision to so boldly state your opinion. Right on!
Charlie Lovett says
September 21, 2016 at 2:39 pmHi Pollie. I have a book collector friend who lives in New Bern (a recent transplant from Chicago). Do you know Joel Birenbaum? He loves to talk about books!
E. Brown says
September 2, 2016 at 7:38 amCharlie, That’s GREAT! Thank You.