Religious people knocking on my door

To Ron: The other day two gentlemen came up to my door. When I walked out onto the porch to greet them they stated that they were on a Christian mission. I told them that I wasn't interested and bid them goodbye. Afterward I thought that perhaps I should have confronted them (in a polite manner) asking what church they represented and what their stand was on same sex marriage. Was I being too concerned about my privacy? Shouldn't we all take every chance we get to talk to those that might not share our views? How would you have handled it? -Gary (At Right: A must see movie about a gay Mormon Missionary. Check for it at your rental store or get it immediately from Netflix.)

From Ron: Gary, I have been in that situation, and responding depends on my mood and how much time I have, and maybe how attractive I find them. (Two female Jehovah Witnesses get none of my time or wisdom.)

Once I had a very good conversation with two young Mormon Missionaries. I was in the travel business and about to take a group to Salt Lake City for the first time and wanted their input. While one was in the bathroom, I told the other one that he was wasting his time trying to convert me as I was gay. He took it very well and when his parents came, he brought them to visit me. For a while we exchanged letters after his tour ended and he returned to Utah to marry.

On another occasion I stopped for a traffic light where a very unattractive and angry looking youth was handing out religious tracts. I asked him if he knew where I could find a church. When he asked me which one, I said a gay one. He turned red in the face, pointed toward the ground, and with spit flying yelled, "In hell!" I nearly wet my pants laughing.

Talking to religious people about being gay is like Forest Gump's box of chocolates: You never know what you are going to get, but if they presume to tell you what they believe, you have the same right. Just process with some caution and low expectations.