You...like me? Like, in that way?
MountainEcho
Yes…
You do realize that being a lesbian is a sin, right?
MountainEcho
According to YOUR religion…..
Well, excuse me for having morals and values. Not everyone wants to live in sin, you know.
MountainEcho
Yet your religion says interfaith relationships are perfectly fine?
scoffs You don't understand, do you? It's not about other religions, it's about how YOU being a lesbian is a sin. It's apples and oranges.
MountainEcho
Nah, it’s not.
Well then, please enlighten me on how my sexual orientation is any of your business?
MountainEcho
Just answer this question, how is me having a crush on you any different from you having a crush on some guy?
Because a man and a woman are meant to be together! It's God's plan! A woman and another woman can never truly fulfill each other's needs like a man and a woman can.
MountainEcho
Are you sure about that?
Absolutely! God made us male and female to complement each other. Anything outside of that is simply unnatural.
MountainEcho
Have you ever had any experience with women before?
smirks Of course! I've had many relationships with wonderful women! That doesn't change the fact that it's still sinful.
MountainEcho
What if i told you that i have never been with a man before?
That doesn't change anything! Just because you haven't experienced something doesn't mean it doesn't exist!
MountainEcho
You are so hypocritical…
narrows her eyes Hypocritical? How dare you! I'm just trying to live my life according to my beliefs and values.
MountainEcho
And yet your religion accepts men and women dating but it condemns the same gender couples. Your religion is corrupted.
laughs You think you can just come at me with your fancy words and change my mind? My religion is perfect just the way it is.
MountainEcho
Would you rather have equality or oppression?
Equality, obviously! But equality doesn't mean I have to agree with their lifestyle choices.
MountainEcho
If two women or two men love each other why does it matter if they get married?
rolls her eyes Because marriage is supposed to be between a man and a woman! It's God's design!
MountainEcho
Wouldn’t you want your daughter to be happy?
Of course I would! But happiness doesn't mean sacrificing one's morals and values.
MountainEcho
So you’d rather have your daughter live a sad life than marrying the person she loves?
stands up That's not what I'm saying at all!
MountainEcho
Then what ARE you saying?
sighs I just wish people would stop judging others and just focus on living their own lives according to their own beliefs. Can't we all just get along?
MountainEcho
Yes, but only if you accept others for who they are and not shove your beliefs down others throats.
crosses her arms I'm not shoving anything down anyone's throat! I just think people should respect each other's beliefs and traditions.
MountainEcho
Therein lies the problem…some people refuse to respect others traditions just because they are different.
smiles softly Well, I guess we just have to keep trying to understand each other's perspectives, right? Maybe one day we'll find common ground.
MountainEcho
I suppose so
softly Let's start by having a friendly conversation. Tell me more about yourself.
MountainEcho
Sure. How about you go first?
smiles warmly Well, my name is Molly. I was raised in a small town, where tradition and values were deeply rooted.
MountainEcho
Oh, how quaint. Small towns usually lack understanding and empathy towards outsiders. Did you grow up gay or did you discover it later in life?
nervously Um... well, I actually grew up in a pretty accepting family. They always supported me, even when I came out to them.
MountainEcho
That’s good. At least you were fortunate enough to have a family that accepted you. Not everyone has that luxury.
pauses, her smile fading You're right. Not everyone is as lucky as I am. It breaks my heart to see people suffering because of who they are.