Unsure how to respond to this gay-related email sent to me by a devout christian girl

[GaGaloo]

She worked with me on a university group assignment and I haven't spoken too her in months until she just emails me this out of the blue.

The email basically just says she thinks I should read this Facebook article:

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=74797006587

It starts off nice but then discuses how research indicates people are NOT born gay, that gay relationships are unstable and have health risks, etc...

I'm really offended by this and I don't know why she sent it to me. I never even explicitly told her I was gay (we did discuss the topic, though).

How should I respond to this?

Thanks.

 

[Alistair]

I'm really offended by this and I don't know why she sent it to me. I never even explicitly told her I was gay

That's exactly what I would tell her. No need to go on any further, she probably wouldn't listen anyway.

 

[quasar]

Yeah, tell her you're deeply offended by this and that it's people like her that have the blood of innocent teens on their hands by perpetuating this crap.

 

[terry751]

I don't think there's any need to be rude. Be civil to her because if you respond strongly it might reinforce stereotypes she may already have. Just e-mail her back (or call her) and tell her you don't appreciate this kind of material being sent to you and you find it offensive. Then ask that she not contact you again. If she tries to send you further crap like that put her on your spam guard (or similar). I doubt she'll try to contact you again.

 

[kallipolis]

In your place I would not respond to an unsolicited email that uses dubious science- per the Face book article - to justify their self righteous, judgemental advice.

Life teaches us that our happiness does not depend upon those who believe that it is their God given right to judge others worthy of their righteous indignation.

 

[bigdaddyhorse]

Not worth arguing with the bitch. Just tell her to go fuck herself and click "delete."

 

[terry751]

In your place I would not respond to an unsolicited email that uses dubious science- per the Face book article - to justify their self righteous, judgemental advice.

Life teaches us that our happiness does not depend upon those who believe that it is their God given right to judge others worthy of their righteous indignation.

I love that! Well put!

 

[Keelandson]

Not worth arguing with the bitch. Just tell her to go fuck herself and click "delete."

 

[hylas]

i would tell her that you find her mail inappropriate and offensive, unfriend her, and stay out of her way in real life (and demand the same from her if she doesnt.)

i would not throw a tantrum, i would not start a discussion with her about wether or not its wrong to be gay, and i would not go the "i never told you i was gay" route (which has a whif of secrecy and shame).

just be clear and cold, and then move on.

 

[JasunStrikesBack]

You NEED to respond.

People like that need to be taught that they're not "right" and if you just quietly take it, you're almost encouraging her to send this to other gay people.

Tell her that the faulty logic and "dubious science" in the article is comparable to the propaganda used by the Nazis to say that the Jews were a sub species.

Tell her you're horrified that she would feel comfortable sending you something so offensive and mean-spirited and that it's people like her who have the blood of gay teens on their hands.

Tell her that a REAL Christian would never send out something so false and damaging.

You can't let the bullies win, you have to stand up to them.

 

[roadtripboy]

Yeah, tell her you're deeply offended by this and that it's people like her that have the blood of innocent teens on their hands by perpetuating this crap.

I would suggest you tell her that these statement have been proven false and time again. Then tell her what Quasar said. Then tell her not to send you and more links like that one.

You'll probably never change her mind, but I think it's important she knows that there are people who disagree with those statements. People in the Christian right are very isolated from the rest of the world and sometimes need to be reminded that there are viewpoints that differ from what they believe.

 

[Keelandson]

Tell her that a REAL Christian would never send out something so false and damaging.

Like hell they wouldn't.

 

[JasunStrikesBack]

You also might want to point out that the William Tan crumbled on the stand and admitted that his "research" was all just made up bullshit.

 

[JasunStrikesBack]

Like hell they wouldn't.

Oh I know that.

the vast majority of Christians are evil monsters. But since there's no such thing as a "real" CHristian, we may as well turn those "people" all against each other.

 

[Keelandson]

. . . .we may as well turn those "people" all against each other.

When you start selling JasunStrikesBack Pitchforks™ put me at the top of the order list.

I'll take a red life-size version with JasunStrikesBack in gothic script on the handle and the disguised-ballpoint-pen desk-set version complete with paperweight and mechanical pencil.

 

[Seasoned]

I would tell her that Josephine Tan is mistaken. Same sex attraction is not a disorder according to the American Psychiatric Association. They made that determination in the 1970s. Furthermore the obsession some people have with homosexuals borders on disorder. Some virulent anti-gay people are struggling with their own sexual identity. Tell her that the time spent worrying about you might be better spent on the family value issues of spousal and child abuse, the affect of addiction on families and families needing food, clothing and shelter. Tell her also that this homo, writing to you, has been in a stable relationship for 27 years, raised two kids with his partner, so far buried three of their parents and had over 200 hundred family members and friends at their committment service. Her view isn't the only one in town and you hope and pray she gets the enlightenment she needs.

 

[mbamike]

It really puzzles me why heterosexuals are so concerned with whom we have sex. Are they jealous, envious or what?

Hit "delete" and ignore the article.

 

[JasunStrikesBack]

It really puzzles me why heterosexuals are so concerned with whom we have sex. Are they jealous, envious or what?

Hit "delete" and ignore the article.

I think the time of just laying down and taking it has past.

we have to fight those fuckers. They have to get hit in the gut if they keep it up. They send these bullying articles and we quietly cry to each other... it empowers them to keep going.

Hit her back and maybe she'll think about sending that next time.

 

[hylas]

^ while i agree that he shouldnt just ignore it, im not sure whether making such a big deal of it is the best reaction, either. i think he shouldnt give that much power to her. if thats not possible, he still shouldnt show that she has that much power over him.

sometimes, full-throttle rage is powerful... sometimes, its a sign of weakness.

 

[JasunStrikesBack]

^ while i agree that he shouldnt just ignore it, im not sure whether making such a big deal of it is the best reaction, either. i think he shouldnt give that much power to her. if thats not possible, he still shouldnt show that she has that much power over him.

sometimes, full-throttle rage is powerful... sometimes, its a sign of weakness.

Maybe.

in that case, the best response would be to very politely say...

"I really don't appreciate you sending me links to homophobic hate literature, especially such scientifically disproven, paranoid and delusional theories. I'm not sure why you felt that I personally should read this but next time, resist the temptation to send that to me. It's not wanted and I feel inappropriate for our polite but professional relationship."