Static5--
First of all, thanks for taking the time to reply. I'll take any and all constructive criticism.
Second, I think you're right on target, re: members of churches who are opposed to LGBT people. What may surprise you is that that is not who I mean to address. Some explanation is in order.
In my OP, I mentioned that I'm intending to go into social work. Thus, I expect to come across sexual minorities of all stripes--some of whom may be suicidal. While I don't believe anything in the Bible myself, obviously not everyone agrees with me. If I am confronted with such a person, I'd much rather be able to grab a Bible and try to talk them down, rather than lecture them on how their beliefs are completely invalid. (I trust you see why that might not be the best circumstance for a freewheeling discussion of the flaws of religion.) Being an educated gay man, (...I took an "Introduction to LGBT Studies" course...) I have not failed to notice that my education did not include reference to either transgendered or to asexual individuals. My personal research for classes has, I think, closed the gap where asexuals are concerned, but that still leaves transgendered people who may need to know that the universe (...or, "God," if you prefer...) does not hate them. If that means I grab a Bible and play pastor for 30 minutes, so be it. Better that, than not having any answer that they can listen to.
I hope that this explains my goals better. I'm not thinking of debating pastors. I'm thinking in terms of helping people in need.
Wanderer
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