To the Editor:

Re: “Alleged Homophobia Causes Outcry: Gay student asked to step down from leadership post by Christian group,” News, April 23.

As an LGBTQ-identified person of faith, this incident brings about many emotions. Part of me is sick to my core, and part of me is simply disappointed. Most of all, though, I am very saddened by this turn of events. For many people, myself included, finding a meaningful way to integrate two fundamental, yet seemingly irreconcilable aspects of our existence proves nearly impossible. Chris’ efforts to prove that it is possible to be a gay, devout Christian are truly inspiring. What upsets me is that instead of receiving support, he was rejected for having found a solution that affirms his sense of self in multiple ways.

Discrimination is never OK. It’s very easy to label this incident as coming from hate and get angry over it, widening the gap between the LGBTQ community and faith-based communities on campus. The occurrence exemplifies a serious void that exists at Cornell, and as disheartening as it is, I believe that we are being presented with an opportunity to begin to facilitate communication. The only way to change the attitudes that have caused this incident is by talking to each other. Unfortunately, this discussion has been so actively avoided because each party assumes that the other is not willing to listen. Having personally found ways to exist at Cornell as both an LGBTQ person in the Jewish community and a religious Jew in the LGBTQ community, I have confidence that this long-overdue dialogue can happen and be effective.

Rebecca Schur ’10