Acceptance, Tolearnce and Safety

"Tolerance" has become a catch phrase in our society. We ask people to "tolerate" each other despite their differences. However, is it enough to merely tolerate our fellow brothers and sisters. Or should we challenge ourselves to move beyond such superficial relationships. I cannot understand and get to know someone merely by tolerating them. No, I must do more. I must "accept" them. There, that is a word I like. So maybe they have made a decision different than my own...I must accept and respect their decision. That is the least I owe them. They deserve not to be judged.

I am only saying this because oftentimes people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or trans gender feel judged. Not only are they judged, but sadly many times they are also harassed.

We had the amazing privilege of attending the Center in Hillcrest today. This center started with the vision of creating a place where GLBT youth felt comfortable. So often they are made to feel like outsiders. They are outliers in a homophobic society, community and sadly- sometimes family. The Center creates a place of belonging. Instead of being the exception, the GLBT youth become the rule.

At the Center we learned about issues facing GLBT youth. Issues like rejection, harassment, abandonment, and even violence. Adolesence is an especially tough time for them.

The greatest part of the talk came when Connor, a transgendered man spoke about switching genders. He seemed so content with his decision. You would never know by looking at him that he was once a female.

After the talk at the Center we ate lunch at Balboa Park. The kids had a rolling contest down the hill. :) Keion was the champion!

In the afternoon we visited the "Special Delivery" program in western Hillcrest. Here they prepare meals for victims of disease living in the community. A hot meal is delivered every day by volunteer drivers. Today, each group of students volunteered to take one of these routes. In addition, they prepared bags of toiletries with individualized letters for each victim.

Our route included 12 people! We only had 35 minutes. It was kind of like a Chinese fire drill. We pulled up to each place, jumped out and literally RAN to the door.

We completed the whole route with time to spare! The "clients" (as they call them) were so touched by the generosity of the students.

Although today was a lot of hard work, it was one of the most fulfilling days of my life. Seeing 11, 12 and 13 year olds rally around causes greater than themselves is truly amazing! I am lucky to have the opportunity to be surrounded by such generosity and greatness!