Equality

Today is Valentines Day and it took me to Bristo Square in Edinburgh where there was a march for equality... for equal marriage. The march began there and made it's way along George IV bridge, down the Royal Mile and to the Scottish Parliament. When we arrived at the Scottish Parliament building there were a few wee talks by various folks from the organisations supporting the event, including politicians and ministers. There were over 1000 people there and it was nice to see such a range of folks there. Everyone including LGBTQ people, straight people, small children, older folks, dressed up people, first time marchers, experienced campaigners... People from all walks of life coming together to march for equality.

I realise that this issue is a big topic in the world right now, and a lot of folk are likely fed up of hearing about it. So, the sooner it's over the better! But, then again, I realise that this isn't the view of everybody. For me, it being 'over' (in Scotland anyway) is for equal marriage to be passed by the Scottish Parliament (and straight civil partnerships too please), yet for others it being 'over' is quite the opposite. Can we ever really all agree? I'm not so sure. If it were a little issue, maybe we could, but it is a big issue in the world and one in which the majority of people will have their own personal stance on. So, allowing for the fact that not 100% of the population will just agree or disagree, can we compromise? If this law is passed then same sex marriages are legal in Scotland. What about in places of religion? That, for me, is one of the bigger debates. I think that the law should allow same sex marriages to be taken place in places of religion but it is up to each individual demonination/minister etc if they are willing to do this. That way, they don't have to if they don't want to. Nobody can force you in to doing something you don't want to do. I reckon I could have a wee rant about this for quite some time, but as I said it has been shoved in peoples faces enough lately and I just wanted to state my point of view roughly.


Choice. That's what it's all about. Choice of how you live your individual life. Choice of how I live mine. Choice.

There are people in my life who do not agree with this, my view point, and that is (within my friend groups) mainly because of their religious stand point. And, you know what? I'm ok with that! I understand why you take the stance you take, and I am appreciative of your openness to talking about it and embracing the issue. Yes, I have dated both girls and guys. Yes, this may come as a shock to some of you out there, but I am open about this because it is who I am. Yes, I want equal marriage rights. Yes, I love everyone. Yes, I would call myself a Christian.

Iona has taught me a lot over the last couple of years, and one of those things that is very important to me is to stand up for who I am. I am someone who is loved by God no matter what I do. I am someone who can stand firm on my own two feet. I am someone who loves the people in my life more than anything else. I am someone who is introverted and that is ok. I am someone who likes to be in nature because it is what makes sense to me and where I feel most connected to the world. I am who I am, and that is the way I will continue to be.

I am not someone who will push my opinions in your face, certainly not on these big issues, and I am not someone who generally starts up such conversations. But that isn't because I don't want to talk to you about them, it's because I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable about anything. So, if this is something you want to talk about, you know where I am.

In the meantime, I am going to continue to support the equal marriage equality movement both here in Scotland and elsewhere in the world, I am going to continue to love every individual person for who they are, I am going to continue to be a Christian and I am going to live, love, laugh and comtemplate.

Blessings to you all xx