Give

The Christmas season is upon us and it seems that it's always at this time of year when people are most generous. I'd like to think that it's because people truly do want to think of others and that they're not just trying to get in those last minute tax deductions. One organization my partner and I have always contributed to is the Salvation Army. Every time we pass a red kettle we put our coinage in it and we always get the bell ringer some coffee/hot chocolate to keep warm. And every year we each grab a handful of names off of the Angel Tree and take care of the wishlists. I'm talking we go to the store and get the kids real presents like bikes, skate boards, dolls that god only knows what they do, and of course anything that makes lots of noise! It kills me when I see other people bring in things like socks and underwear-it really does happen. I'm like really? Just because these kids are poor, it doesn't mean they should receive anything less than what you would buy your own family. And if you're buying your family socks and underwear then insert eye-roll right here on my behalf.
 But this year an article came across my screen in regards to this organization claiming that the SA had openly refused assistance to a gentleman and his partner due to their sexual orientation. The author stated that according to the SA, LGBT people are rejected because they are deemed sexually impure and would be denied assistance unless they renounced their sexuality and attended services. In addition there was a SA representative that stated he "wished death upon homosexuals." Later he re-worded his statement to say that he was referring to a "spiritual death." Yeah, I don't think it sounds any better the in his attempt at rephrasing... but at least I can take comfort being told that he no longer works for the SA.
So as a homo I was conflicted. Do I still contribute to this organization? My mom said that when I was a toddler it was mine & my brother's name on that Angel Tree (no wonder we always had plenty of socks!) and that the SA had helped us on several occasions. So should I give back to an organization that had clearly helped me as a child?
The SA has been documented in the past to undermine the equality movement of LGBT people: '86 New Zealand, '98 San Francisco, '01 Washington DC, '04 NYC, '12 Vermont. The SA is a faith-based organization and they do not believe in the homosexual lifestyle per their interpretation of biblical scripture. And I'm ok with that. If that is what they want to believe, then so be it. I mean there are people who believe in fairies and unicorns. And um Santa. Do I agree with their beliefs- no, but my concern was that while their mission statement says "to meet human needs in His name without discrimination" were they truly living up to that? If I were in need of assistance would I be turned away for being gay? I contacted the SA and spoke to Steve who represents our area. I informed him of my concern and his words were "I don't care if you are straight, gay, whatever. If you need assistance, we will help you."
And for me that's what it should be about. If someone is hungry, give them food. If someone is cold, give them warmth. If someone is without shelter, offer them a roof. A person's sexuality has no bearing as to whether they are in need.
I passed a red kettle today and I dropped my coins in and handed the bell ringer a cup of hot chocolate. I also walked up to a homeless man, handed him some cash and a sleeping bag. I think maybe the best thing to do is just to give. Give without stipulation, judgement, or prejudice. Just give what you can, even if it is underwear.