"I Was Silenced for Being Gay"

This video was originally uploaded on October 11, 2007. I don't know why I took it down, but it's back up!! In this video I am sharing about my coming out experience at a Christian university. I came out publicly to the university on October 11, 2006, but only to be met with resistance.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• APU
• Azusa Pacific University
• Christian college
• Coming Out
• Lesbian
• Gay
• Bisexual
• Transgender
• LGBT
• queer
• Vince
• Vincent
• Cervantes

[chrisahx2]

You "should" have the right to post about you being gay and what that's been like in school, BUT you are at a Private College, and they can set their "own rules" It would be better for you to switch schools to a more liberal college, and if you study theology, I'm sure there are still more progressive colleges and Universities out there

[tenorcervantes]

That's the problem with schools like this, they hide behind their "private school" status as a way to keep out a perspective because they fear the message.

As a disclaimer, I was asked to leave the University as a result of this incident and I now a student at another college and about to graduate soon with my degree in religious studies.

[jusguyz]

- this clip seemed to drop suddenly, is there more?-

I know I have said this before but it is saddening as a 59 y/o gay that this still needs to be discussed.

Take care Vince, ~Bruce~

[tenorcervantes]

Bruce: There was more to the original clip, but I omitted it because it wasn't relevant any more, since this was recorded in 2007. Thanks for you comments :)

[tenorcervantes]

Well I was, and still am, a Christian, so I expect love and grace, as those are central to Christian teachings.

[Ghestahl2006]

I voted 'like' because I support your cause and testimony. Being gay is not a sin, and you don't deserve to be treated less than human for being who you are. I was also in a christian high school. I am familiar with your struggle. Fight it! A new age is coming and gay people are gaining by leaps in bounds as far as 'rights' and recognition goes. Stay you! live your life! and be Proud!

[brentduanefoster]

Hmmm, I knew there was a reason why I didn't apply to APU.

[smurfboywv]

God Bless you friend! Pray for those who are ignorant and forgive them.

[time2learnnow]

You don't need religion man, but if religious people silenced you then you should take another look at other religions and think which religion welcomes gay people.

Personally I think religion limits mankind's thinking, but I don't necessarily think you're thinking is limited.

[EdM021]

So a gay man's exercise of free speech is now considered "homosexual acts!" I am LOL at the stupidity of the people who decided this and asked you to leave the school! Their line of malarkey "hate the sin and love the sinner" they themselves proved false by their actions. And even if you and Vince had testified to these people that you were "chaste" (sexually inactive), their reaction probably would not be any different. They really DO hate the "sinners:" US!

[DeanLives2]

As an Azusa resident and a guest of Equality Ride during its 2006 visit to APU, I'm really disappointed to see that the administration evidently learned nothing from the event. I've kept in touch with students & alumni who share your circumstance and/or are supportive of your rights and well being. While I'm sorry that you were compelled to change institutions, please know that there is a considerable amount of community in Azusa (civic leaders included) that will always welcome and support you.

[Daniel1989a]

You are an inspiration. I have watched your videos and have felt shock, amazement, sad, proud and many other emotions. You brought tears to me eyes a few times. The reason I felt shock and amazement is that being gay where I live in Toronto Canada is a cake walk compared to what you went through.

You are a very well spoken, obviously smart guy. I hope you find your MR Right and have a long happy life together.

[SisterUnity]

I wonder if anyone at APU realizes the parallel of the Door of Discussion having controvercial things posted on it and Martin Luther posting his thesis on the of the church thus kicking off the Protestant revolution.

[molyapolloangelo]

I love and appreciate your story. It means a lot as we are slowly progressing to a nation when "all men are [actually] created equal." Your voice and your stand was just one of many valorous steps into bringing equality to all.

[agripke]

You see, EVEN school directions can be stupid... . They should give the good exemple.  In stead, the do the exact opposite.

[maitriparamita]

Thank you for speaking out about this. There are plenty of affirmative Christian churches who will respect you for who you are. The anti-gay churches, like the pro-segregation and anti-women churches before them, are just going to find themselves more and more isolated from society until they rethink this issue.

[garysdeskcom]

Thank you for sharing the story. There is a double standard in Christian circles. In reality, a lot of straight extra-marital and pre-marital sex is tolerated. Joking around and talking about sex, as long as it is not too blatant is also tolerated. Talking about being gay, or gay people, unless it is very condemning talk, is not accepted. Straight people are almost never quizzed about their sex lives. Gay people, who are open, can be expected to be quizzed about everything.