camp czigàny

I noticed in the Larry King interview that you deflected the question, “Were you born this way?” Why?  

I don’t think it’s the right question. It starts with a premise that I don’t necessarily agree with or feel that I can follow through on. If there isn’t some kind of scientific reason we can nail down to explain why people are gay, then it stands in logic that we shouldn’t accept LGBT people. I have difficulty with shaping my acceptance of any human being based on whether or not I think it’s scientifically provable that they’re worthy of acceptance.

The fact of the matter is that we are people of faith who have a legitimate journey and a legitimate right to claim that process. I love my partner. I love the relationships that I’ve built. I could ask myself whether or not every aspect of my identity was inborn. I believe the question narrows the experiences of so many, to the extent that we forget the whole human being. My sexuality is just one element of how I face the world. 

I believe I’m called to love and respect all people no matter where they come from or how they’re made. And I think that’s what we need to be looking at: How can we respect our neighbors as they come, as their whole selves—and learn to love each other despite our differences? No, I don’t like that word, “despite.” How can we be more inclusive of everyone? That’s really what it comes down to for me.