"We are deeply saddened and angered by Dr. James Dobson's statements regarding gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons. These are talented, articulate people, representing all fields of life. They impact our society and our youth as educators, parents, lawyers, doctors, Sunday School teachers, church members, heads of corporations, entrepreneurs, soldiers, service sector individuals, and more.

These gifted individuals set an example for the nation that through perseverance and believing in the gift that you are, you can not only transform yourself, but society in the process.  Without a doubt, there have been many years of anguish, brought on by injustices that have permeated the spirit and soul.  That any of the community retains a faith in God or a higher power is a testament to the possibility that such exists.  Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals, both young and old, have fought through immeasurable odds to create a belief in themselves and our society.  We have built loving and stable relationships in spite of all those who have stood against us.

For Dr. Dobson and Focus on the Family to instill fear in others by making false statements and claims about our lives, and then using that fear as a fund raising tool in such an insensitive manner creates a wedge and makes light of the efforts of these classy individuals.  It is unfortunate Dr. Dobson seeks to tarnish and diminish the lives of others, particularly those with families...the very famlies he professes to honor and value. Should we not, as a society, send a message of encouragement to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons to aspire to the highest levels of commitment by encouraging their relationships with laws which support and protect them?

It is of the utmost importance to be an inspiration to young people and we truly believe that we have represented gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons in the highest manner by living authentically, whatever it takes, whatever the cost and consequences. We are proud of what has been accomplished in our community, and strongly encourage Dr. Dobson to meet and talk with us and to read the read the stories that tell of our triumphs during our Gay Into Straight America journey. We strongly encourage Dr. Dobson to talk with those we have met inside Focus on the Family, and now call "friend."  We strongly encourage Dr. Dobson to talk with those who work at Focus on the Family about their friends and family who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender.   We strongly encourage Dr. Dobson to inquire as to how their lives have been impacted by his rhetoric.

Thousands of people across the nation and across the world have reached out to us to share their warm wishes and to say, 'No more.  If this can be done to you, it can be done to all of us. We are all connected."  We appreciate their kindness and are proud to be associated with Soulforce and the diligence of people who dare to confront bigotry, homophobia and heterosexism.

One day...yes, one day, we, too, will have the support of both the public and the media in such a way that Dr. Dobson will honor our request and recant the vile and erroneous messages that he spreads like toxic waste.  We hope that day has come as we stand before you.  Dobson's actions, like those of Imus, injure the psyche of both society and gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons.  It is time for this to stop and for Dr. Dobson to be accountable, and recant his past statements and beliefs. 

If Governor George Wallace could do it, so can Dr. Dobson.  We hold strong in our belief of that possibility.  When we hate others, they control us.  We refuse to allow that to be our path.  The words of Brother Jamal Rahim, a Muslim Sufi, ring profoundly true, “Whoever’s approval you seek, imprisons you.  Choose your jailer with care and deliberation.”  We do not choose Dr. Dobson as our jailer."

It is time for us to have a higher consciousness.

©2005 American Author, a division of Cevado Technologies. All rights reserved.