5/27/10

Guest Post: “As if being gay wasn’t hard enough in the secular world.”

“There are many practices and issues in the Unification Church that have caused deep, lasting pains on people and are contrary to the vision of ‘world peace’ and ‘one family under God’”.

I felt it necessary to shed some light on a specific matter of the UC’s behavior with regards to how it handles the issue of homosexuality. Despite the UC’s professed mission to save the people of the world and loving God’s people, the UC has, as it does with many other issues, turned a blind eye to the needs of the homosexual community and has no strategy for reaching out to the gay population…some of which reside within the ranks of their own members, and by that I refer to myself.

It’s been incredibly hard coming to an understanding of myself as a healthy individual, seeing as how our sexuality is indelibly tied to our understanding of ourselves, and growing up in a movement that, like all evangelistic faiths, teaches you from an early age that you have no self-worth, and that you have no hope of attaining the eternal bliss the rest of your family and friends will attain, is reality-shattering and profoundly disheartening, as untrue as it may be. Father Moon’s infamous “dung-eating dog” comment really sheds light on what he and his family truly believe, despite what they profess. Fortunately I have been able to come to a healthy understanding of my identity, thanks in no part to the UC, which after trips to Cheong Pyeong and meeting with counselors, made me feel that such circumstances were entirely my fault and that I had no hope of rehabilitation unless I were to shell out thousands of dollars on “wish papers” (what right-minded individual can believe such nonsense, I ask you?) and pray or simply become celibate. Neither was acceptable to me and after years of struggle, I only hope no other 2nd gen have to endure the same. Love and happiness is attainable regardless of one’s sexuality, despite what the UC will tell you.

What is truly saddening is that there is no method of communication regarding such issues. The UC keeps hushed about these topics and young members will have to wander in the dark in search of guidance and help, not only in coming to terms with their identities but in encountering their precarious relationship with the movement that is to follow. It really pains my heart to think of what I have yet to go through and what younger members in my shoes will have to go through regarding coming out to their families and whether or not their parents are so brainwashed that they mistreat or even abandon their own children, all in the pursuit of “perfection” as set forth by Father Moon’s standards.

I wish to find some outlet for communication to help those who suffer in silence, not only with sexuality but with all issues regarded by the UC as taboo, but the means to do so escapes me. Though I wish still, at least for the near future to remain anonymous, I would love to see if this blog can open avenues, or perhaps lend me support in creating my own to achieve these goals.