I am gay and in the past I have been discriminated against. Will people make fun of me in the BCYS?
First of all, and above all, you are welcome in the BCYS. Jesus said, "Come to me... and I will give you rest for your heart," and in the BCYS we hope you will find the sort of lived Christianity that starts with loving acceptance of another person.
You know that your sexuality is only one part of who you are: no doubt you are gifted in many things - perhaps music, drama, maths, science, art, languages. Perhaps you are a good and sensitive listener, or a loyal friend. Whatever it is, all these gifts will be valued and appreciated. It may also be that through what the BCYS is offering you find new gifts and talents.
From the management team and youth leaders in the BCYS I hope that you would find a lot of acceptance. Because our events are open to young people aged anywhere from 14 years plus, depending on the event (and even younger for the sports events) then there will be some young people who may not be so careful with language because they do not realise how hurtful they can be.
Many, many young people are struggling with some very difficult aspect of their lives: it may be self-esteem, confidence in school, family relationships, or indeed sexuality. Because of this, we encourage all young people to help each other to be welcoming and inclusive. This is most clearly based on scripture: Jesus' first and overriding commandments are love of God and love of each other. Blind prejudice - whether it is racism, sexism or homophobia - is simply incompatible with Christian love.
I do not imagine that your sexuality is the first thing you would want to share about yourself as a new person at an event. Give people time to get to know you for all of who you are, and you will know when the time is right to talk about the deeper things.
Finally, all of us, at every age, are on a journey of discovery about who we are, and sexuality is often complex, changing and developing as we get older. Do not label yourself too soon, and do not let yourself be labelled by others. Celebrate all your gifts, and all your strengths. You are very welcome in the BCYS.
Article Written: 8th May 2005
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