Let’s remind ourselves of the vile, dangerous things Pat Robertson had to say about LGBTQ people during his long life

As you know, Pat Robertson died yesterday. He may have claimed to have a close relationship with God during his life, but he certainly did not have a close relationship with the truth.

I often has to report on the vile anti-LGBTQ things he would say during my 5.5 years as US correspondent for the late, great Gay Star News. I would often think, “What is wrong with this man?”

I found him to be so dangerous – particularly to young LGBTQ+ people who can often be filled with shame and self-loathing because of the way they have been made to feel by their parents or their church or society in general.

So earlier today, my Facebook memories brought up this post from June 9, 2009 – two years before my GSN days – because I felt the need even then to shine a light on the dangerous things being said by this hateful man. Here is what I wrote about what he had to say to parents whose kids are gay:

Robertson: “I am not at all persuaded that so-called homosexuals are homosexuals because of biological problems. They’re may be a very few but there are so many that have been made homosexuals because of a coach or a guidance counselor or some other male figure who has abused them and they think that there’s something wrong with their sexuality so you need to get deep into why he is what he is instead of just saying “he’s a homosexual so how do I handle him and how do I be Christian?” Well, I think you ought to tell him “Listen, son. Here’s what the Bible says about this and it’s called an abomination before God so I’ve got to tell you the truth because I love you.” That’s what I think.”

I must say, really look forward to the day when Robertson is off of the airwwaves because I think he is despicable. He speaks in this kindly voice and says the most horrible things about gay people. My mom used to watch his 700 Club every morning so you can imagine how awful that was for me.

That’s why it’s so important to have people like Dustin Lance Black speaking out like when he used his Oscar speech to tell kids out there that they are loved and that they are beautiful no matter what their churches or their families say. Or what Pat Robertson says.