Brokeback Society

Last week I saw Brokeback Mountain. I liked it a lot. (I’m not sure I’d say that it was robbed of the Best Picture Oscar because I also really liked Crash). Anyway.

The movie did a good job of portraying the emotional toll the situation had on all parties involved. I felt Alma’s pain as she came to realize the truth about Ennis and Jack’s relationship and what that meant for her marriage. My heart ached for Ennis and his desire to suppress his feelings for Jack because of the social consequences of being gay and for Jack as he longed to be true to himself and his feelings but respected Ennis’s reservations.

I found myself wishing that things could be different. That there could be a “happily ever after.” The “answer” that I came up with is that they needed, and we need, a more tolerant society. But I’m somewhat conflicted on what a more tolerant society would actually entail.

Also last week a group called Soulforce rolled into Provo, UT—BYU campus. Their purpose: “to tell Brigham Young University that their anti-gay policies, based on Mormon beliefs, cause GLBT suffering.” (GLBT=Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender)

As a result of one of their demonstrations 24 people, including some BYU students, were issued citations for trespassing and escorted off campus. (BYU allowed the group onto campus, but gave them strict guidelines. When these guidelines were not followed, citations were issued.)

I understand that BYU is a private institution that is run by the LDS Church, and the rules and policies tend to reflect the standards of the Church. President of the Church Gordon B. Hinckley said, “People inquire about our position on those who consider themselves so-called gays and lesbians. My response is that we love them as sons and daughters of God. They may have certain inclinations which are powerful and which may be difficult to control. Most people have inclinations of one kind or another at various times. If they do not act upon these inclinations, then they can go forward as do all other members of the Church. If they violate the law of chastity and the moral standards of the Church, then they are subject to the discipline of the Church, just as others are.” There seems to be a line drawn between inclinations and actions. Fine.

But I think that the Mormon culture at large can be pretty insensitive. And yes, I think that BYU’s policies may “cause GLBT suffering.” The BYU Honor Code says, “Advocacy of a homosexual lifestyle (whether implied or explicit) or any behaviors that indicate homosexual conduct, including those not sexual in nature, are inappropriate and violate the Honor Code. Violations of the Honor Code may result in actions up to and including separation from the University.” The wording of this is broad enough that I think this goes beyond delineating action v. inclination.

Going back to my “answer” of needing a more tolerant society. Should the Church be expected to change its definition of sin, or call evil good? I don’t think so. But I’m not sure what support we offer those in our own ranks who have not crossed the inclination-action line. How much do we alienate these individuals? Do we basically have a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy? How much gay bashing and bigoted attitudes do these individuals encounter in our culture, not because they are openly gay, but because that bias is a part of our culture? That just doesn’t seem right to me.

I don’t know the answers. I know this is a hot and controversial topic. And I hope I haven’t offended anyone. But these things have been on my mind.