Why I Support Gay Rights and an Interview with Chloe Noble

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Well, it took me a long time to figure out what to title this post.  I have written about my gay friends before, and I often tweet in support of LGBT organizations. But I have never put into writing why my support for gay rights is so strong.

First, before you jump to conclusions, I am not gay. Not even on my worst acid trip did I think about another man.  My friend Chloe calls me a “straight ally” – I like that! For me it is not a gay issue, but an issue of human rights.  We should be treating all people equal and helping all people – period!

Last winter shelter season I became friends with a young lesbian couple living on the streets. They were early 20s, sober, and always pleasant. They just fell on hard times and ended up homeless.  Our team tried hard to plug them into services. The Gay and Lesbian Center was full, normal nonprofit programs were full, and it is rare for a church to even help homeless people much less homosexual homeless people.  We tried and tried but all roads were a dead-end. Meanwhile, these two girls had to sleep outside or in winter emergency shelters. I was so frustrated and even more frustrated at my Christian faith I could still scream. It’s so sad that Jesus would help anyone and everyone but we (the church) pick and choose to help only those that believe like we do. Before I digress too far I honestly believe that one of the biggest issues with the church today is sheer ignorance to real compassion. But that’s another post.
Chloe Noble
If I were to list my heroes Chloe Noble would be right near the top. Chloe and her friend Jill Hardman walked 3,000 miles this past summer for LGBT homeless youth. They actually covered 6,000 miles total, yet what makes what they did so cool is they lived on the streets with homeless kids all over the country.  If you didn’t know 40% of homeless youth identify as LGBT. And I support anyone helping homeless kids – period!

A few months back I spoke at the University of Montana. Purposely I asked for an extended layover in Salt Lake City so I could meet Chloe in person. We have talked on the phone many times, I even financially support their cause, but we have never met in person.  This short video I recorded at the airport. I love this girl with all of my heart. She is a fighter and has a huge heart to help homeless youth.

Maybe you’ve seen me tweet this. Please know I am not just saying it, I live it:

“I don’t care who you worship or what you believe, I don’t care who you sleep with. If you are helping hurting people you’re my friend and I will support you”.

Please support Operation Shine’s Facebook Cause. I do!

And PLEASE for Christ sake (literally) stop arguing and start loving. If you are one of those religious Christians and this post made you mad, before you write scriptures in the comment section run and buy “Lord, Save Us From Your Followers”! Come on now, What Would Jesus Really Do?


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