Monday, November 30, 2009
Homo / Religion God Hates Corduroy Skirts
Posted by Dan Savage on Mon, Nov 30, 2009 at 12:16 PM
Chris Pesto, a junior at Syracuse University in New York, was annoyed by a fundamentalist Christian bigot holding up an anti-gay sign—"Homosexuality Is a Sin"—on his campus last week. So he took action:
This woman was wearing an ankle-length corduroy skirt, which, as we all know, is a fashion nono. So, in order to make her feel uncomfortable, I stood next to her and held a sign that said "Corduroy Skirts Are a Sin"! I don’t think I have ever drawn so much attention in my life. So many people asked to take a picture with me, I got laughs, high fives and there were the few that even cursed off the woman standing behind me. As I drew interest to what was going on with myself and the woman with the hateful sign, I started to draw a crowd that stood with me in support. Before I knew it I had 100+ people holding signs for gay rights asking people to honk their horns to support. I never expected anybody to come stand by me and support and I appreciate it so much that everyone came! It meant so much and it proved to those ignorant people that we aren’t afraid, and we will put up a fight.
More on Chris's spontaneous—and hilarious—protest here.
Share via
1
God also hates people who worship Mammon.
Fwiw. Not that that stops the Mammon-worshiping Talibangelists.
Fwiw. Not that that stops the Mammon-worshiping Talibangelists.
2
Not only is wearing corduroy a fashion-sin, but in actual fact, if the material is woven from a combination of, say, cotton & wool, which is pretty common, then she would also be violating one of Yahweh's statutes in re: Leviticus 19:19, which declares the wearing of garments comprised of both linen and woollen fibers an abomination unto the Lord.
9
My reasonable-length corduroy skirt is completely Gay-friendly (and not a straight skirt -- it's more of an A-line.)
10
For some reason, this reminds me of a (possibly apocryphal) story. Seen spray-painted on a concrete wall in the parking garage underneath the Music Center in downtown Los Angeles: "JESUS SAVES FROM HELL", which has been augmented in a different color of spay paint to read: "JESUS SAVES FROM HELLo Dolly revivals."
14
Why do you call this woman a bigot?
Are people who believe adultery is a sin also bigots?
The Bible condemns murder. Are folks who believe murder is a sin bigoted?
Is this woman a bigot because she believes different Bible verses than Dan Savage?
Do you know what 'bigot' means?
Are people who believe adultery is a sin also bigots?
The Bible condemns murder. Are folks who believe murder is a sin bigoted?
Is this woman a bigot because she believes different Bible verses than Dan Savage?
Do you know what 'bigot' means?
15
@ 2, thank you for pointing that out. I was "half-remembering" that scripture in Leviticus.
Question: The article reads:
When asked about the students protesting against them, Jim stated (husband of wife/evangelist), “”We have free speech in this country, but you don’t have the freedom to not be offended.”
HOW MUCH MORE WRONG CAN YOU BE????
Isn't the idea of free speech based on being (relatively) offensive??? Otherwise, you wouldn't need "free" speech because we'd all be comfortable in knowing that anything & everything we all said would be viewed as a compliment. Btw, "Free Speech" is a concept designed around dissenting citizens against the government, right???
Question: The article reads:
When asked about the students protesting against them, Jim stated (husband of wife/evangelist), “”We have free speech in this country, but you don’t have the freedom to not be offended.”
HOW MUCH MORE WRONG CAN YOU BE????
Isn't the idea of free speech based on being (relatively) offensive??? Otherwise, you wouldn't need "free" speech because we'd all be comfortable in knowing that anything & everything we all said would be viewed as a compliment. Btw, "Free Speech" is a concept designed around dissenting citizens against the government, right???
16
What exactly has Pesto "annoyed"?
Why did he set out to make the woman feel uncomfortable?
Is he willing to "put up a fight" to see that this woman can not believe the Bible? That she can not express a belief he disagrees with?
Will he make her feel uncomfortable, have her cursed off, until she is too intimidated to believe differently than him? Or just until she is too frightened to express her belief?
Does Pesto believe anything?
Does he have anything to say?
Or is he just interested in harassing the woman and preventing her from expressing her belief?
Why does he fear dialog and communication?
Why does he want to shut down the debate?
Why does he want to deny this woman her right to free speech and to religious belief?
Why did he set out to make the woman feel uncomfortable?
Is he willing to "put up a fight" to see that this woman can not believe the Bible? That she can not express a belief he disagrees with?
Will he make her feel uncomfortable, have her cursed off, until she is too intimidated to believe differently than him? Or just until she is too frightened to express her belief?
Does Pesto believe anything?
Does he have anything to say?
Or is he just interested in harassing the woman and preventing her from expressing her belief?
Why does he fear dialog and communication?
Why does he want to shut down the debate?
Why does he want to deny this woman her right to free speech and to religious belief?
17
@14: I'd say yes, she is a bigot. In my opinion her sign is as bigoted as one reading "Race mixing is a sin, Christ can set you free!"
@16: Chris has as much right to carry a sign expressing his opinion as the homophobic woman does.
@16: Chris has as much right to carry a sign expressing his opinion as the homophobic woman does.
18
"his action turned into a protest for a more loving and accepting community."
Unless you happen to believe differently than the members of this "loving and accepting community", that is....
Unless you happen to believe differently than the members of this "loving and accepting community", that is....
19
17
The woman was expressing a belief.
it may be unpopular or wrong but she was sharing her belief.
Chris set out to make her feel uncomfortable. To harass her. Not to express belief but to prevent her from expressing hers.
The woman was expressing a belief.
it may be unpopular or wrong but she was sharing her belief.
Chris set out to make her feel uncomfortable. To harass her. Not to express belief but to prevent her from expressing hers.
20
"Administration officials heard the call of their students and stated that the Deferios were no longer welcome on Syracuse’s campus."
Because the last place we want a variety of opinions and ideas expressed is a Liberal Arts University.
It is very important to shelter impressionable young liberal minds from ideas and beliefs different from their own.
Exploding heads and all that.
Very messy...
Because the last place we want a variety of opinions and ideas expressed is a Liberal Arts University.
It is very important to shelter impressionable young liberal minds from ideas and beliefs different from their own.
Exploding heads and all that.
Very messy...
21
@17- No no no...It's only OK to express your opinion if you agree with the religious right. If you're expressing a different opinion, you're oppressing them. However, they can tell you anything they want, including that you should be stoned to death and then suffer an eternity in Hell, and that is not oppressive. Because they said so, that's why.
22
14. Yes, she's the very definition of bigotry, just as your logic is bigotted. Here's why:
First, adultery and murder are acts, not conditions of being. Sexual orientation is NOT a choice.
Second, whether or not we feel that the acts of murder and adultery are wrong/sinful/what have you, most of us don't occupy public spaces with signs accosting innocent people as murderers and adulterers. And, I'd argue, the reason we don't do that is because we reserve judgment until we know the details of the case in question and have the maturity to understand that genuinely decent people can commit heinous acts (an understanding only possible with some self-awareness.)
In contrast, standing on a street corner damning strangers to eternal hellfire speaks of a blind self-righteousness and, I'd also argue, sadism.
First, adultery and murder are acts, not conditions of being. Sexual orientation is NOT a choice.
Second, whether or not we feel that the acts of murder and adultery are wrong/sinful/what have you, most of us don't occupy public spaces with signs accosting innocent people as murderers and adulterers. And, I'd argue, the reason we don't do that is because we reserve judgment until we know the details of the case in question and have the maturity to understand that genuinely decent people can commit heinous acts (an understanding only possible with some self-awareness.)
In contrast, standing on a street corner damning strangers to eternal hellfire speaks of a blind self-righteousness and, I'd also argue, sadism.
23
I suspect those are public streets and sidewalks and Syracuse has no authority to ban anyone from them because of their beliefs.
24
@ 19 (re: The woman was expressing a belief.
it may be unpopular or wrong but she was sharing her belief. Chris set out to make her feel uncomfortable. To harass her. Not to express belief but to prevent her from expressing hers.)
....ACTUALLY, one can argue that the woman's sign was intentionally "uncomfortable" to Chris or anyonewho espoused his belief (it is after all, a biblically based belief)...not just because it's religiously intolerant but because it's selective in it's reference of "sin".
Personally, I'm "uncomfortable" with the idea of people referencing the bible outside of any historical/cultural context and mis-representing the words of men...I mean "God"...to justify human inequality. That's "uncomfortable", and he can just as well argue that-so they're both equally uncomfortable. ALSO, if he wasn't mouthing off to her, verbally attacking or "threatening" her, I don't see how his behavior qualifies harassment. I might disagree with you, but you're not "harassing" me.
So outside of feeling uncomfortable and not being "harassed", how exactly was this woman "prevented" from expressing belief?? She looks pretty fine to me from the picture.
it may be unpopular or wrong but she was sharing her belief. Chris set out to make her feel uncomfortable. To harass her. Not to express belief but to prevent her from expressing hers.)
....ACTUALLY, one can argue that the woman's sign was intentionally "uncomfortable" to Chris or anyonewho espoused his belief (it is after all, a biblically based belief)...not just because it's religiously intolerant but because it's selective in it's reference of "sin".
Personally, I'm "uncomfortable" with the idea of people referencing the bible outside of any historical/cultural context and mis-representing the words of men...I mean "God"...to justify human inequality. That's "uncomfortable", and he can just as well argue that-so they're both equally uncomfortable. ALSO, if he wasn't mouthing off to her, verbally attacking or "threatening" her, I don't see how his behavior qualifies harassment. I might disagree with you, but you're not "harassing" me.
So outside of feeling uncomfortable and not being "harassed", how exactly was this woman "prevented" from expressing belief?? She looks pretty fine to me from the picture.
27
@23: You obviously know a lot about fascism since you can't even spell it.
Free speech includes the right to wave signs. The sign may say "God says you suck" or "people who hold 'God says you suck' signs are stupid." Both signs are perfectly legit.
Free speech includes the right to wave signs. The sign may say "God says you suck" or "people who hold 'God says you suck' signs are stupid." Both signs are perfectly legit.
28
With respect, we're over-analyzing the "poor, oppressed Christians" motif. Religion is one big fuck-you to the unsaved, the infidels, everyone outside the tribe. This lady should be commended for having distilled Christianity to its xenophobic essence.
31
Heh… Just goes to show you that not only are we queers happier and more creative, we’re wittier and funnier, too! The best (and most effective) reaction to authoritarian control freaks and/or Mary Moralist busybody gawd-botherers is to get people to laugh at their preposterous nonsense — it removes their power. Good on you, Chris Pesto!
32
Dear Miss Deferio,
Along with perusing Leviticus 19:19, you also want to take a crack at reading Timothy 2:11. God does not like uppity bitches preaching to menfolk.
Thank you,
Y.F.
Along with perusing Leviticus 19:19, you also want to take a crack at reading Timothy 2:11. God does not like uppity bitches preaching to menfolk.
Thank you,
Y.F.
33
I like corduroy skirts.
Also, the woman isn't having her voice oppressed, thanks to the witty man standing next to her little ol' me in North Carolina has read her silly sign.
Also, the woman isn't having her voice oppressed, thanks to the witty man standing next to her little ol' me in North Carolina has read her silly sign.
35
@23
You would be wrong. Those streets are part of the campus and paid for by Syracuse University. And unlike you, I'm actually familar with how Syracuse operates.
The campus is not public space anymore than a mall is public space. Or, heck, than a church is public space. The woman was not part of the university community and no business to conduct on the campus.
But I'm sure you would proudly support the free speech rights of drug-using male prostitutes calling for legalization
of their activities on the front steps of the New Life Church in Colorado Springs.
You would be wrong. Those streets are part of the campus and paid for by Syracuse University. And unlike you, I'm actually familar with how Syracuse operates.
The campus is not public space anymore than a mall is public space. Or, heck, than a church is public space. The woman was not part of the university community and no business to conduct on the campus.
But I'm sure you would proudly support the free speech rights of drug-using male prostitutes calling for legalization
of their activities on the front steps of the New Life Church in Colorado Springs.
36
Oh sure, (@16) as if the lady with the "CHRIST CAN SET YOU FREE" sign was open to some kind of debate... I'm sure there were more than a few students willing to debate her back to the first century. Anyone else here ever try to debate with a wingnut Christian? ITS LIKE DEBATING A BOWL OF CHEERIOS. Just like all other wingnut Christians, this lady was only interested in delivering a sermon. It's too bad that she chose such a hateful one.
37
Gives me a little faith; Syracuse is pretty homophobic.
Also, crazy crazy, I think I went to high school with a relative of theirs, who was virulently homophobic...Small world, or common last name! 0:
Also, crazy crazy, I think I went to high school with a relative of theirs, who was virulently homophobic...Small world, or common last name! 0:
39
"Ginger Woessner, a junior political science major, did take the time to talk to Jim Deferio (the father of the woman pictured). She said, as a transgender individual, her initial reaction was that a person like Deferio would be irrational and hateful. But after talking to him, Woessner said she was surprised.
"I don't think he is a hateful person," she said. "He showed that it is not something that he just thought up, he truly believes in this."
"I don't think he is a hateful person," she said. "He showed that it is not something that he just thought up, he truly believes in this."
40
That is awesome. Next time those religious fuckwads come to my campus I'm going to buy poster paper and make a sign of my own.
@16 I don't see your point, just a bunch of questions that make silly assumptions about a person who was defending his beliefs from someone who went out of her way to attack the believes of others.
@16 I don't see your point, just a bunch of questions that make silly assumptions about a person who was defending his beliefs from someone who went out of her way to attack the believes of others.
42
How come no one ever reads the sermon on the mount? It's classic christ! His best of album! Matthew 7: 15-27
"15Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
24Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
25And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
26And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
27And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it."
Christ said be a good person, don't hate people (infact love them even more for their 'faults'), be a peacemaker, and not to think mean or lewd things (last part was mainly because women were an item and not people then). Most of what christ said was completely ignored in favor of THE OLD TESTAMENT - exactly what he was amending with the new. As a bisexual agnostic I don't see how being homosexual should 'offend' x-tians. At least anymore than my menstruating while still mixing with men, or my love of Italian cured hams would offend them. Jesus was a good guy, Paul (or Saul the gigantic douchebag who had a desert altercation with god)was an asswipe. and the rest of the New testament is pretty clear with the whole love your neighbors and be peacemakers thing. But no one ever digs out that quote.
More...
"15Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
24Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
25And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
26And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
27And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it."
Christ said be a good person, don't hate people (infact love them even more for their 'faults'), be a peacemaker, and not to think mean or lewd things (last part was mainly because women were an item and not people then). Most of what christ said was completely ignored in favor of THE OLD TESTAMENT - exactly what he was amending with the new. As a bisexual agnostic I don't see how being homosexual should 'offend' x-tians. At least anymore than my menstruating while still mixing with men, or my love of Italian cured hams would offend them. Jesus was a good guy, Paul (or Saul the gigantic douchebag who had a desert altercation with god)was an asswipe. and the rest of the New testament is pretty clear with the whole love your neighbors and be peacemakers thing. But no one ever digs out that quote.
43
Free Speech? Hmmmmmmm, so what do you suppose the reaction would/should be if it was a man holding a sign that read, "Women are the property of their fathers, brothers and husbands. Freshmen girls, Christ can set you free"
How quickly do you suppose he would be escorted off campus.
How quickly do you suppose he would be escorted off campus.
44
@ 20
No - we do want a variety of opinions and expressions of self on a liberal arts campus. But what we don't want are opinions that put down other people based on their race, gender, sexuality, nationality, mental and physical abilities, or anything else that is part of their "being" rather than their choosing. If you want to have students argue about who should win the election or which social policies to support - that's fine because that is an open dialogue about personal choices. But every student has the right to tolerance - this doesn't mean that everyone on a liberal arts campus needs to sit together in a sharing circle and hold hands and sing kumbaya - but they need to be civil and respect one another.
No - we do want a variety of opinions and expressions of self on a liberal arts campus. But what we don't want are opinions that put down other people based on their race, gender, sexuality, nationality, mental and physical abilities, or anything else that is part of their "being" rather than their choosing. If you want to have students argue about who should win the election or which social policies to support - that's fine because that is an open dialogue about personal choices. But every student has the right to tolerance - this doesn't mean that everyone on a liberal arts campus needs to sit together in a sharing circle and hold hands and sing kumbaya - but they need to be civil and respect one another.
45
All Christians should be willing to die for their beliefs.
Just remember that the next time you drive by someone holding a sign like this.
Just remember that the next time you drive by someone holding a sign like this.
46
Sexuality (of whatever kind) is a condition or "state of being" not an action. If it isn't an action, how can it be a sin?
47
How is the sign "hateful"? She's stating a belief that she thinks is backed up by her religion... which may or may not be accurate. I'm a devout Christian, but if you wanna smoke the pole, frankly, I don't care. Sin or not sin, I don't judge you and will leave that for your maker.
What I want to know is, how is the sign hateful? I also agree that by your little 'stunt' you show how the libtards work. If we don't agree with you, you harass and berate and say we're "hateful" and "racist" and "homophobic" and "xenophobic" and whatever other kind of strawman you can build.
The fact is she was (albeit ignorantly) trying to in a round about bass-ackwards way try to help people. I highly doubt she HATES gays, but thinks that she can HELP them by trying to save their souls... if you don't like it, ignore it. Simple.
Are you REALLY that offended by a fundie holding a sign? Just ignore it. Don't be offended, the same way I won't be offended if I see you holding hands with your boyfriend.
Get over it.
What I want to know is, how is the sign hateful? I also agree that by your little 'stunt' you show how the libtards work. If we don't agree with you, you harass and berate and say we're "hateful" and "racist" and "homophobic" and "xenophobic" and whatever other kind of strawman you can build.
The fact is she was (albeit ignorantly) trying to in a round about bass-ackwards way try to help people. I highly doubt she HATES gays, but thinks that she can HELP them by trying to save their souls... if you don't like it, ignore it. Simple.
Are you REALLY that offended by a fundie holding a sign? Just ignore it. Don't be offended, the same way I won't be offended if I see you holding hands with your boyfriend.
Get over it.
48
bobdobalita, what is it with conservatards? See what I did there? I made converatives sound stupid by changing the spelling there by making me sound more smarter! Because a red herring always wins.
When we call you hateful, racist, homophobic, and xenophobic, we are trying to help you. We don't hate you, but are trying to save your soul. If you don't like it, ignore it.
When we call you hateful, racist, homophobic, and xenophobic, we are trying to help you. We don't hate you, but are trying to save your soul. If you don't like it, ignore it.
49
made me laugh. . . and want to buy an up-to-date corduroy skirt too! :)
For bonus giggles somebody should have stood next to Chris with a sign saying:
"Gay men that believe they are automatically arbiters of good fashion sense are going to hell."
(in a beautifully decorated hand basket, of course.)
For bonus giggles somebody should have stood next to Chris with a sign saying:
"Gay men that believe they are automatically arbiters of good fashion sense are going to hell."
(in a beautifully decorated hand basket, of course.)
50
he's not attacking the lady, he's attacking the skirt.
Love the sinner, hate the skirt.
I wonder if she belongs to a religious sect that doesn't allow ladies to wear pants.
Love the sinner, hate the skirt.
I wonder if she belongs to a religious sect that doesn't allow ladies to wear pants.
52
6: As I walked by, after a large group of protesters had joined Chris, I heard "We can help you! We have denim!"...so I'm pretty sure they were thinking similarly :)
The way I saw it, Chris reacted in a way that not only drew attention and support, but did it with humor and style. And 37, I've found Syracuse to be a fairly gay-friendly community. I believe it is one of the top-ranked LGBT universities in the country. Campuspride.org gave it 5/5 stars...
The way I saw it, Chris reacted in a way that not only drew attention and support, but did it with humor and style. And 37, I've found Syracuse to be a fairly gay-friendly community. I believe it is one of the top-ranked LGBT universities in the country. Campuspride.org gave it 5/5 stars...
Most Commented on Slog
-
Stephen Fry v. the Catholic Church by Dan Savage
-
Straight Up by Dan Savage
-
Neologism Needed by Dan Savage
-
Palin's Cheat Sheet by Dan Savage
-
SL Letter of the Day: The Toilet Brush Off by Dan Savage
-
Every Child Deserves a Mother and a Father by Dan Savage
-
Tea Party Crowd Believes That Only Good Spellers Should Vote by Dan Savage
-
How's That Hopey, Changey Stuff Working Out For Childhood Obesity? by Dan Savage
-
Every Child Deserves a Mother and a Father by Dan Savage
-
The Green Police Super Bowl Commercial by Charles Mudede
RSS
Facebook
Twitter
Comments (52) RSS