We hold it for a fundamental and undeniable truth, that religion, or the duty we owe our Creator and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence. The religion then of every man must be left to the conviction and conscience of every man; and it is the right of every man to exercise it as these may dictate. This right is in its nature an unalienable right. –James Madison

If you didn’t see The Sacramento Bee’s Sunday cover page article about the current state of conflict between Russian-speaking evangelical communities and the gay community, then you must not have been looking. Suffice to say, it doesn’t surprise me. Historically, homosexual behavior in the Former Soviet Union was a punishable crime. In fact, homosexual behavior was considered a vice of the bourgeoisie–perhaps attributing Oscar Wilde-like living to all who live that lifestyle.

Living in the Commonwealth of Independent States (once known as the Soviet Union) breeds a very aggressive sort of person. When I lived there, I recall being shoved by 70-year-old babushkas trying to force their way into overcrowded buses. I also recall several occasions where people were forced to make scenes in public to get their basic needs met. Call it conditioning, call it a cultural survival mechanism. But note that it’s there–particularly when you read of the aggressive and “in your face” methods used by these religious groups. (Note that “regular” Russians are pushing back against the influx of “vice” in their own homeland. ) Do I advocate being aggressive here in California? Hardly. In fact, I wish the immigrants would realize that they’re in the United States now, and tone it down a little. Don’t break the laws of your new home.

It’s not just the cultural differences in expression that are causing this conflict, but ignorance. I have spoken with many a native Russian who had never seen a person of African descent, much less someone who was openly gay. That same ignorance drives the extreme religious right and conservative heartland states in the US. If you’ve only heard that it’s an abomination and never had a neighbor, a friend, or a family member who was gay–you don’t know what it is. And how could someone who has only equated homosexuality with pedophilia understand that you can be exposed to people who are in the GLBT community and not become a member yourself?

As a native Californian, I can say that same sex relationships really don’t faze me. I have known many people who are living the lifestyle. I have been to gay weddings, had roommates who happened to be gay, and served in the US military next to people who I know happened to be gay. Did their being gay affect any aspect of our relationship? No. Do I think they’ll burn in hell for being gay? No. Do I think that gay-bashing and violence committed in the name of religion is wrong? Yes. I would like to leave a thought for my Russian-speaking neighbors…Adapt. Hold your beliefs–that’s your right. But don’t break the law, don’t cross that line. (I think spitting at someone who holds different beliefs is crossing the line–you hear that, babushki?) And I would say the same to those in the gay community. Don’t go picking a fight by picketing a church–how many other churches have you picketed lately? Just the Russian-speaking ones? Remember the Hatfields and McCoys? Or the phrase “an eye for an eye”? If you look for a fight, you will find one. Unfortunately.

Can’t we all just get along here? We live in an abundantly wealthy country, with so many options. We can even stand on a soapbox and chant various things in our native languages, English or not. Eventually, after a generation or two, the tight knit community of Russian-speaking folks will loosen up, just like other groups have historically done in this country. But then again, I’m an optimist. I also am a thankful optimist. I can write blogs like these, and whether they get read or not is entirely up to the person surfing this site.