Free My Soul Cries Out by Sherri L. Lewis Page B

disgusting.” Janae wrinkled her nose.
    We all followed Janae’s eyes to one of the TV screens up at the bar. There were two men dressed in tuxes, standing in front of what looked like a minister, who appeared to be exchanging wedding vows. They kissed.
    Shavon joined Janae in expressing her disgust. “Oh, gross.” She made a face. “I am so tired of this same sex marriage junk. It’s on the news almost every day.”
    Shavon pointed at the TV showing people with rainbow flags, marching with signs that read WE SHALL OVERCOME and others in a circle, holding hands and singing. “I hate when they equate the gay movement with the Civil Rights Movement. Like it can even compare to discrimination against black folks. I was born black. Just ’cause they choose that lifestyle, they should have all these rights now?”
    I felt heat rising in my face. Of all the things to be the topic of this evening’s discussion. The waitress brought our drinks and we ordered our food.
    â€œIt’s not safe to watch television anymore. They’re everywhere,” Janae said.
    Shavon nodded. “I know. It’s like an epidemic. You got Will & Grace and Queer Eye for the Straight Guy , and what’s that new lesbian show? The “L” Word . They even got their own network now. And if they ain’t got their own show, they put their issues on our shows. I used to watch Sistergirls religiously until they had that episode with the two lesbians having a baby. It was a good show until they took it there.”
    Trina chuckled and stirred her tea. “Oh, so it didn’t bother you when everybody was fornicating with everybody. You only stopped watching it when they put the lesbians on?”
    Shavon looked a little miffed. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
    â€œIt’s a show about three young, single, carefree black women who have sex with any and everybody. That didn’t bother you, but when they put lesbians on, it offended your Christianity? Why didn’t it offend you before?”
    Shavon had a look on her face like she knew Trina was right, but didn’t want to admit it. “That’s different. The sistergirls are normal women. The lesbians, well . . .” She seemed at a loss to defend herself.
    Janae laughed. “She got you, girl.”
    â€œNaw.” Shavon shook her head. “It just ain’t the same.”
    Janae said, “Worst thing about Will & Grace is it’s actually a good show. Have y’all ever watched it? That junk is hilarious.”
    Shavon said, “Yeah, but that’s all part of the devil’s plan.”
    Trina laughed. “Uh-oh. Here comes another conspiracy theory.”
    Shavon ignored her. “Think about it. Over the last little while, you see more and more homosexuals sneaking into television, magazines, movies, etc. It’s like Satan launched a media campaign to normalize homosexuality. We watch shows about it with characters we really like, and although we can’t identify with their homosexuality, we see they’re okay people. They’re funny, good-looking, and deal with some of the same issues we deal with. Next thing you know, you got this warm, fuzzy feeling about homosexuals. They’re okay, so then homosexuality is okay.”
    Janae shook her head. “That’s deep, girl. I never saw it that way. I just know I like the show.”
    Shavon nodded. “Before you know it, it’s the norm. The stigma wears off. More people experiment with it, and it becomes another part of the American melting pot.”
    Janae looked over at me. “Monnie, are you okay? You’re really quiet.”
    â€œI’m fine. Just listening.” I took a sip of Sprite and tried to laugh off my nervousness.
    Trina looked over at me. I smiled to let her know I was okay.
    Janae said, “You know what bothers me? The way they’re trying to push their way into the school