The Case for Acceptance: An Open Letter to Humanity

by Robin Reardon

The Case for Acceptance: An Open Letter to Humanity presents the rationale behind Robin Reardon's second novel, Thinking Straight, which is about a gay teen whose parents send him to a summer camp designed to straighten him out. The novel is positive and inclusive, respecting religious belief while taking a step toward creating a safe place for people of different sexual orientations and identities within the religion called Christianity.

The Case for Acceptance demonstrates a process by which assumptions about sexual orientation can be examined in light of science and reason, and it presents a strategic approach to scripture that leaves it in tact while bringing it into contemporary life. The essay tackles the assumptions—secular and sacred—held by people who disagree with Reardon's motto: The only thing wrong with being gay is how some people treat you when they find out.

Although some references are included, the tone of this essay is not academic, and the writing style is conversational and accessible. The intent is to engender understanding and acceptance.

71 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 4, 2014

About the author

I'm an inveterate observer of human nature, and my primary writing goal is to create stories about all kinds of people, some of whom happen to be gay or transgender—people whose destinies are not determined solely by their sexual orientation or identity. My secondary writing goal is to introduce readers to concepts or information they might not know very much about. On my website, robinreardon.com, see individual book pages for “Digging Deeper” sections that link to background information and research done for the novel.

My motto is this: The only thing wrong with being gay is how some people treat you when they find out.

Interests outside of writing include singing, nature photography, and the study of comparative religions. I write in a butter yellow study with a view of the Boston, Massachusetts skyline.

Reviews

[Coenraad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robin Reardon provides a strongly reasoned case for general acceptance of gay people (and by extension, also of others deviating from the 'norm'). Her techniques and arguments will surely prove valuable to people who deal with thoughtless, baseless attacks resulting from barely disguised fear and lack of understanding. May we soon live in a world where such arguments are no longer necessary - but then, before Charlottesville 2017, the impression was that racism is over.

Robin Reardon se passievolle argument ten gunste van die aanvaarding van gay mense (en, deur uitbreiding, ook van ander wat van die 'norm' 'afwyk') sal handig wees vir diegene wat hulself moet verdedig teen aanvalle wat geen greintjie rasionaliteit bevat nie. Haar essay is bemagtigend en bemoedigend. 'n Mens kan maar net hoop dat sulke argumente en tegnieke binnekort nie meer nodig sal wees nie.