I’m heavily involved in 2 charities- I talk about one a lot, the other I sometimes keep a secret. I feed the homeless with St. Francis Food Pantries and Shelters…and (reveal) I fundraise for the Hetrick Martin Institute- the nation’s oldest and largest social services agency dedicated to helping at-risk LGBTQ youth.
I randomly fell into a volunteer role with HMI and have now been working with them for three years. Despite my commitment and egalitarian stance, last week was my first time visiting their building. I’m embarrassed by that. I finally walked into the closet that hangs the donated clothes and shoes for the teens who are homeless by the hands of intractable parents. I looked into the rooms that earlier in the day housed counselors, educational workshops, and support groups. I watched as the students laughed with each other and admirably greeted the administrators in the hallway.
It was a bold reminder of why I became involved with the organization. I’m of the mindset that love is a panacea for all difficulties. Righteous indignation on both ends of the gay marriage debate is often appalling. I watched the Funny or Die video crudely titled “Child Celebrities Opposing Kirk Cameron- CCOKC” and was saddened that we still can’t have a sensitive discussion about LGBTQ issues without invalidating someone’s opinion. The students who stood in front of the Hetrick Martin Institute were happy people. I’m constantly seeking Nirvana and therefore in my travels, I’m always thrilled to meet others who have found that inner harmony and stability. As I took the photo of the boys above, I was reminded of a lyric from a song I love by Johnny Marnell- I’ll let those tire tracks talk dirt behind my back. The money that we fundraise for the students is providing them with food, books, and a community of supporters. I can either be a judgmental observer or a silent helper. I don’t think one role is more morally just than the other, but I choose to be the latter.
