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COMMUNITY GROUPS

Phil Martin speaks to Humanist Community

by Derrick Strobl

Columbus-Phil Martin, director of the Stonewall Union Community Center, spoke on the subject of "Religion and Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual People" at the February 8 meeting of the Humanist Community of Central Ohio.

Martin highlighted the need for religious organizations to welcome and support people with different sexual orientations. Failure to welcome and support has dangerous consequences for people with different sexual orientations, Martin said. "We know statistically, we can prove it, that where hatred is preached, incidents of gay bashing and gay baiting go up," he said.

Phil Martin

Even while some churches welcome people with different sexual orientations, Martin reports, "Most people within the GLB population feel that they are excluded from mainstream denominations as if they are kicked out. If a central part of your culture is based on the church, it's much harder to come out and be open."

At the Humanist meeting, Martin summarized other issues facing people with different sexual orientations such as lack of safety, discrimination, suicide, and the danger of self-destructive behavior. Martin has extensive experience in educating the public and in promoting civil rights for the lesbian, gay,

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bisexual, and transgendered community. Before directing the Stonewall Community Center, Martin managed Ohio State University's Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Student Services.

"I have always considered myself 'in the know' regarding GLB issues, but I received a valuable education from Phil and the discussion which followed his presentation," said Humanist Community vice-president Peggy Slaughter.

Martin does presentations for many groups. "I recently did a workshop for two hundred Lutheran ministers. Here are these ministers, and they are debating over what should be the Lutheran church's stance on homosexuality. During lunch they asked me, 'Phil, don't you think it's pretty good; and we're getting there?' I said, 'Call me in 50 years, and I think you'll have it right'."

Martin explained that the Lutheran church would likely change its policies and had changed policies on other issues. "I know that at one time the Lutheran church defended slavery by quoting the Bible prior to the Civil War, and I know at one time the church held Jews accountable for the death of Christ," he said.

Following Martin's presentation to the Humanist Community, one member questioned whether homophobia came by choice, and if it could be cured. In response, Martin explained that he prefers to think of homophobia as “ignorance."

Beth Bradley, chair of the Humanist Community's Caring Committee, expressed her views on sexuality saying, “I happen to be heterosexual, but I believe that I am not a label. I am a person, and I give that attitude to all those around me."

Clayton Slaughter, editor of the Central Ohio Humanist newsletter, read from his poem saying, "Humanism is calling two people hand in hand, love."

Larry Reyka founded the Humanist Community of Central Ohio in the 1970s to provide an alternative for those who try to make sense of life without traditional religious assumptions. Reyka performs ceremonies for same gender couples.

According to Reyka, "Humanists support a naturalistic world view that values people, emphasizes reason, and focuses on the world in which we live. If we use our heads and treat others well, this world and its people may reward us."

The Humanist Community meets on the second Saturday of every month hosting guest speakers to address current issues and holding discussions of Humanism. The Humanist Community participates in Columbus' Pride March and offers a variety of services for members and for the surrounding community. Further information about the Humanist Community may be obtained by calling 614-470-0811 or on the world wide web at http://members.aol.com/hcco.

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