[antiochian]

Dear Bird,

I will be graduating from a Baptist university this spring. It was, shall we say, an experience. I experienced a lot of homophobia, but on the other hand, some English professors in particular were very helpful and affirming.

I'm very sad when people treat each other as property. In trying to decide your future for you, instead of letting you decide for yourself, that's what your family's doing. If you really don't want to go to this university, you cannot be forced to. If that means paying your own way through the college of your choice, it may be more difficult, of course, and your family will be upset, obviously, but it's still your life.

On the other hand, you can do what I did, and I attended a Christian school as well. Make the best of it. Focus on your education and your future--you won't be there forever. And remember, just because someone has a PhD doesn't make him or her right. In your theology classes, you'll be inundated with "truths" about this and that, but the only truth that matters is yours, so hold it close.

I hope you can find a community of friends who will help and affirm you, if you don't already have that. That's important. You matter, and God loves you. NEVER forget that. Bright blessings.