It’s a sign, a sign that will influence people or discourage people. Locals and foreigners, people of color with diverse lifestyles are holding these signs. I feel that these signs are not demonstrating freedom of speech, but animosity and misperception. There are fat, robust, slim, tall and stout people holding these “hate” signs. These signs say “Gay marriage, ban it” or “God is first, marriage is sacred” or sign the petition that will prohibit lawmakers in approving gay marriage in Hawaii or sign the petition that outlaws gay marriages and the people of America should vote on such issue. I think it’s absurd and people just don’t think prior to acting upon it, but it happens. People are people, but in this situation I am insulted.
It’s a sign, a sign that will influence people or discourage people. Locals and foreigners, people of color with diverse lifestyles are holding these signs. I feel that these signs are not demonstrating freedom of speech, but animosity and misperception. There are fat, robust, slim, tall and stout people holding these “hate” signs. These signs say “Gay marriage, ban it” or “God is first, marriage is sacred” or sign the petition that will prohibit lawmakers in approving gay marriage in Hawaii or sign the petition that outlaws gay marriages and the people of America should vote on such issue. I think it’s absurd and people just don’t think prior to acting upon it, but it happens. People are people, but in this situation I am insulted.
To voice my concern on this issue is foremost significant to me. It’s not only the gathering on the sidewalks or signs and pickets and the fine hand gestures and shakas that bother me, it’s the message on those signs, the petitions created and blogs established by those people causing a nuisance. Those people I come to know of are imploring some message of revulsion. It’s disturbing and they humiliate me. I am insulted by their hullabaloos and discourtesy. They have one point, but to flaunt or exhibit their poor actions is insignificant. Again signs will influence people and we live in a world of imperfect people who make inadequate decisions. I have made some poor decisions, but I have discerned right from wrong. With my choices and lifestyle, I am not wrong and I am fully blessed.
I am not going to touch base on religion, leaders in various denominations and their carcasses in the closet, the Bible or Book of Mormon, Buddhism or Jehovah Witnesses. That is a whole different article. I could write a book on that. Hence, my goal here is to exemplify my reasons in writing this. I am going to touch base on the mere fact that these signs and the messages behind them are impertinent. These people wave graciously into the wind in Kahului and Wailuku, Maui, holding their signs with messages that are brash and exasperating. It’s irksome just to see these people be so vocal is something I can’t even elaborate.
I am happy with my partner and we are successful in our careers and we do so much for our communities. I will marry him on the top of Alii Kula Lavender Gardens in the white gazebo, while the garden is draped in metro-Hawaiian kapa prints, purple, pink and illuminating lights with loved ones present.
Happiness and love is the key to all of this. Straight couples, gay couples, stout, tall, fat or slim couples want happiness in their lives. Set aside the Bible and what men have published. Set aside what God wants because all I know is that God loves me. Pele, Kane, Kanaloa and Jesus love me. Lono loves me. Kamapuaa doesn’t because I can’t consume pork (I have gout, but have been gout free for two years). I’m chuckling. But, I am in love. My partner is successful and loves me unconditionally. I know my father and mother raised me and my siblings well. My parents and grandparents love me. We are all college graduates and into our careers. My family and friends love me and I love them. I am in love and grateful. I am Hawaiian and gay. Why do birds sing so gay? Because they’re happy. The question to those people on the sidewalks waving down people with signs of animosity, are you happy? Bring the skeletons out of the closet because I’m sure you’re not perfect.
Kalani Pea is a Kihei, Maui, resident and former Kailua-Kona resident.
Viewpoint articles are the opinion of the writer and not necessarily the opinion of West Hawaii Today.