MidAmerica Nazarene

Being an openly gay East Coaster, I learned much of what I thought about Kansas from a movie involving red, sparkly shoes, and the repetitive mantra that there’s “no place like home.” After all, what self-respecting man with a fascination for aromatherapy candles and an undeniable “artistic temperament” wouldn’t love the concept that somewhere over the rainbow lies a magical land filled with opportunities to make a difference? Needless to say, I was a little surprised to find out that there are hardly any tornados here in Kansas.

I did, however, find the majority of Kansonians to be gracious, hospitable people, willing to go out of their way to help you find a bottle of Mucinex at a local drugstore, and point you in the general direction of a Golden Corral restaurant for lunch. What was even more surprising was our unequivocal welcome onto the campus of MidAmerica Nazarene University. We as Equality Riders had not been granted this kind of respect and encouragement to continue our work from any other campus thus far. It is clear that there are people who do hold the love of Jesus Christ above the condemnation of humankind.

We were met outside the dining hall by faculty and administration with genuine smiles and outstretched palms, then enjoyed breakfast with our hosts (students and staff people who helped us to find classrooms and introduced us to others). My host was Paul, a computer science major and an all-around great guy. We talked about faith, about love, and about scripture, about computers and robots, and about our common interest in taking care of children.

My presentation group was on at 9am, and we made our way to Mr. Haye’s class after breakfast to present In God’s Image, a look at love in scripture. I was floored to see rows of open eyes and ears like sponges that early in the morning. Students and faculty were frantically writing down information and questions to ask us. When it was all over the students shook our hands and we ended in a prayer of solidarity. There was interaction, involvement, and wholesome dialogue that lasted well after class, as we made our way to the Fireside Room for continued conversation.

Paul introduced me to countless students, and there was a real sense that who we are as people, as children of God, did not alter an individual’s perception upon meeting us for the first time. There was a real sense that our differences were not as apparent as one would assume, and that everyone in the room, no matter our sexual orientation or gender identity, desired the same love and affirmation.

At 11am, I went with Paul to hear Amy and Alexey’s presentation on International Perspectives on LGBT issues. I can say, with all honesty, that I learned more about my people, my community at large, and my fellow comrades than I ever thought possible. Who would have known that diversity within our group could continue to amaze even those with whom we share our most intimate moments, our joys and our fears, and our bad hair days? Grassroots activism…no one ever said it was glamorous!

At 12pm we had lunch and I met even more of Paul’s friends at our table. I didn’t feel like I was on show or was forced to answer outlandish questions. I was treated as a guest, but more importantly as a person. I observed, listened, introspected, conversed, ate, laughed, sang, and made friends. I learned what a Granger cookie was and that every school has its unwavering opinion regarding the inappropriateness of wearing sweaters sporting the names of rival schools on campus. It’s a big no-no, wherever you go.

Lunch ended and the Equality Riders made our way into a smaller room with beautiful chandeliers and round tables. We discussed with the minister ways in which the school could improve, with special attention given to the reason for our visit. We discussed the policy and ways in which students on campus could feel accepted regardless of their orientation or identity.

It is clear by our presence, and by letters received from current and former students, that this discussion is needed, is warranted, and is vital to the future of humanity. If we are to coexist, there must be discussion involving those issues that face our society today. We can no longer hide behind the veil of uncertainty or in the shadow of traditional understanding regarding the complexities of human nature and newfound research if we are to fully prosper as an ever-changing world and a thriving community of believers.

I feel strongly that the impact of our visit has left a huge impression, not only on the administrators, faculty, and students, but on us as well. Our visit had been so fulfilling throughout the entire day that we felt an obligation to hold on to our collective happiness for as long as we could, making our next stop, BYU, that much more tolerable, and our call to action that much more important.

We walked outside in the cold, crisp air toward our bus. Everyone circled up, said our goodbyes, and ended with a prayer of solidarity. It was too perfect, and I was just waiting for Fred Phelps to come along with one of his famous signs. But, that never happened. What did end up happening were a lot of hugs, a few tears, and a lot of love. We eventually got onto the bus and reluctantly said goodbye to the campus we called home for a day.

All in all, I realized that assumptions might be the root of all evil, if you believe in that sort of thing. The only way to fully live is to learn to love in a way that includes rather than excludes. But, it’s awfully difficult to learn this important trait if we do not have the means to educate ourselves properly by getting out there and meeting the world with open arms and an open heart. Perhaps, this ride is offering me much more than a two-month chance to make a difference in the world. Maybe the one who’s changing the most is myself. I guess you can you take the girl out of Kansas, but I think I’ll hold on to Kansas for a little while longer.

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