Sometimes it is really, really hard to approach certain topics with journalistic objectivity.
Like marriage equality. We 100% support it. All in, all the way. I mean, our profile pic is the rainbow, for chrissake.
So it’s really hard not to lead this story with: “This anti-marriage equality ad is the worst fucking thing you’ll see all week.”
The ad, produced by Catholic Vote, is literally a parody of a coming out video, except that it’s to spread a message of discrimination: it features Catholics who are – get this – coming out against marriage equality.
They have put themselves in the place of LGBTQI people and still. don’t. get it. “I’ve tried to change this before, but it’s too important to me,” says one, which sounds exactly like every person who’s ever struggled with coming to terms with their sexuality to me.
This isn’t a dig at religion or even Catholicism. We know this ad doesn’t speak for everyone, because not everyone is the same, and there’s plenty of progressive legends who can separate their religious beliefs with legislation. Ireland passing marriage equality, for example, was a true testament to the human spirit.
And we get it – it must be a little bit tough to be a Catholic in this modern day, with a progressive world that’s challenging your very beliefs. But parodying the very real struggle by the LGBTQI community, a group which has the highest rates of suicidality of any population within Australia, in order to spread your message of hate disguised as a message of love, is revolting.
In happier news, check out these kids explaining same-sex marriage. Works a wonder for getting your blood pressure back down to normal, trust me.
If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts, give one of these guys a buzz: Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week), Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14.
If you’d like to learn more about mental illness and how to seek help, visit Beyond Blue, Black Dog Institute, or Headspace.
