Diane Gramley of the American Family Association of Pennsylvania, based in Venango County, is correct: It IS dangerous to be gay. Every year, thousands of American men and women and physically attacked and even murdered solely on the basis of their sexual orientation.
The situation for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth is especially concerning. More than half of GLBT teens experience verbal and physical harassment and violence in their schools, and the suicide rate for this group is three times higher than average.
The cause of this violence is homophobia - the irrational fear of homosexuality that is so clearly exemplified in Gramley's rhetoric.
Although she may not have physically beat down anyone herself, her words are just as harmful because they give permission for others to do so. You can't condemn and revile an entire group of people and then pretend that your words don't have negative consequences.
Interestingly, Gramley mentions a group of GLBT youth from Pittsburgh, "Dreams of Hope," that recently visited Venango County to talk about their experiences with religion.
It was a moving performance, full of angst but also love, healing and redemption. Several ministers were in the audience, and even though they believe strongly in scripture, it was clear that they were personally stirred.
As a business investor in Venango County, I am concerned that the attitude of hate and discrimination expressed by Gramley and the American Family Association of Pennsylvania will make it difficult to attract educated employees to this area.
I hope her viewpoint is the exception rather than the rule in this beautiful part of the country.
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