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No class

Some gays and lesbians greeted the news of Jerry Falwell's death with guffaws and cheers.
An Advocate.com exclusive posted May 24, 2007
No class

News of the May 15 death of the Reverend Jerry Falwell was warmly welcomed by hundreds of LGBT bloggers. I find this to be a horrible representation of the LGBT community.

In my opinion, this sort of display deserves criticism not only from mourning right-wing conservatives but from our own LGBT peers. It is in times like these that our wit and will is tested and we must stand with dignity—despite the actions of a man who has opposed us throughout his life’s ministry. Although I do not support the politics of the Reverend Jerry Falwell, I do not support the celebration of his death or the promotion of a sense of “gain” for our cause.

I am reminded of a quote from the film Lord of the Rings, when Gandalf says that “Many that live deserve death and some that die deserve life…do not be too eager to deal out death and judgment.” As minorities, we ask to be respected as human beings. We expect people to treat us with dignity and to look beyond our sexual orientation or gender identity. Why then do so many people focus on the politics of Mr. Falwell and find in them reason to celebrate his death? We condemn hate speech and inhumane conduct, and in the same way we should also condemn any attempt from LGBT activists to publicly celebrate the death of a fellow human being.

If anything, take after Mr. Andrew Sullivan, who wrote of the Reverend Falwell, “Since I can think of nothing good to say about him, I'll say nothing. And pray for the repose of his soul.”

Satre is a regular contributor to Advocate.com.

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