A few weeks ago, I was doing some insightful thinking (as I very often do) about things that are often overlooked, forgotten, or simply disregarded, and wrote a journal detailing on those thoughts.  It starts as a rant, as you'll notice.  I believe that this is pertinent to not just the LGBT community, but to humanity as a whole.  So...here it is.

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Diversity is something I have always held in the utmost regard.   We as humans ARE diverse, and there is NO question of that.  In so being, we all are different - in more ways than can be imagined.  EVERYONE is human because EVERYONE is different.  Difference  makes us human., and it's scornful that some people believe certain aspects of humanity to be damnable (i.e. races, the LGBT community).

If you live, you have a place in the world.  Period.  Good or evil - it doesn't matter on which side you spawn, or where you go from there.

Many people do not understand this - that we are all different...all human.  They seek to disrupt or even eliminate those aspects of humanity.  Mistreatment, oppression, subjection to discrimination and hatred...and all for what?  Nothing, in the end.   To those I speak of: do you really believe that, just because you are entitled to the same human rights as those you victimize, you have the power to stifle or eliminate your victims' humanity?  And furthermore, do you really believe it will change anything?  That it will "educate" your victims, or their supporters?  Or, perhaps you believe it will cause a "favorable shift" in humanity, perhaps, by doing away with certain types of people?

...Asinine thinking, that.  Hate crimes, genocide, oppression...they serve no purpose, in the end.  Humanity will ALWAYS find a new way to exhibit diversity, and in so doing, it will ALWAYS thwart your hatred.

I understand damn well that I have control only over myself and my actions.  Why else would I rant this way, instead of lashing out at those I feel are deserving?  Even in this rant, I don't speak from hatred.  I have no reason to hate those who cause pain and anguish for others.  Hate is a fire that cannot be extinguished, yet is one I will never feed.  I'm sure we've all heard the saying, "hate begets hate," in some form?  It is a truth so painfully obvious, yet so easy to overlook and disregard...and it plays an integral part in all human (and non-human) lives.  From the moment of our coming into the world to our passing, we bear witness to hate, and its effects.

I suppose I should consider myself fortunate that I've been spared as much as I have.  However, I am not one to witness the hatred that affects my friends, family, and people I don't know, and do nothing.  I do not intend to speak out or start any sort of protest - this was a rant.  What I do, instead, is come to the aid of the victims as best I can.  Not everyone has to be an "active" activist, after all - if everyone would simply show kindness, that impossible "world peace" could be a reality.

I don't care what odds are against me here, honestly.  The attitude that "everyone else is doing it, so why shouldn't I" is, in my opinion, complete and utter bullshit.  Be different, people.  Walk your own path, not the paths of others.  That attitude is all-too prevalent - consider littering.  It's so easy to litter, yet so easy NOT to.  "But everyone does it," so it's okay...right?  Wrong.

This is where being DIFFERENT can help EVERYONE.  Littering is environmentally destructive, no matter how "insignificant."  Little by little, it's profaned nature over the years, yet no one seems to notice or care.  We take from nature, but either don't return enough, or return nothing at all.  Well, that's already started to affect us, and will continue to do so - and more harshly - if we do not stop and consider the damage we're doing.  And I know how easy it is to say, "oh, nothing's going to happen in my lifetime."  Well, you know what?  You never know.  And even if it DOESN'T, what kind of world do you want to leave for the generations to come?

It takes little effort to throw a piece of garbage into the street, or to stick an empty (or not) cup of soda into a bush.  However, it also takes little effort to find a trash can, really.  If you're in a vehicle, just throw whatever trash you have into a trash can - don't throw it haphazardly out your window.  And be resourceful when you can - if you feel you'll have a lot of trash, bring a plastic bag (don't litter that, please).  If you'll think you'll be carrying a lot of things, minimize the amount of trash you'll be making.  And use common sense, too.

...Yes, I'm dead serious about diversity and nature.  No one should try to be the same as someone else in any way, nor should anyone try to take away another's individuality.  And we are all a part of nature.  Our ROOTS lie in nature, and people need to realize that.  Though there's nothing I can do to change anyone else, I do hope that this rant (and the "wind-down" section) might help a little.