It’s OK to Believe What You Do

Earlier this week a 21-year-old university student from Queensland took his own life.

Wilson Gavin was a young same-sex attracted man who didn’t fit the expected narrative. A pro-life and pro-family activist, Wilson was vocal in his defence of life, marriage and family. He was also a devout man of faith.

By all accounts, Wilson was a kind-hearted soul who spent a great deal of his time helping the less fortunate and trying to leave this place better than he found it.

His death came soon after he participated in a student protest against an instance of “drag queen story time” for children in a public library.

Footage and coverage of the protest was circulated online, and Wilson soon became the target of shocking vitriol. Sadly, trolling and hatred are commonplace on social media, especially in forums like Twitter.

I’ve received unsolicited hate mail and threats myself, particularly during 2017’s marriage debate. I’ve also been “doxxed” (that is, had my family’s home address shared online).

But my experiences pale in comparison with the size, speed and ferocity of the avalanche of hate Wilson suffered.

And let’s not forget: the target was a 21-year-old student.

What can we say about a society where people think it’s OK to bully a young person – indeed, anyone! – to the point of suicide?

At the very least, it’s sick. In certain quarters, it’s toxic.

Even after his death, the attacks on Wilson haven’t ceased. Some are even seeking to gain mileage out of it, implying that the death of a same-sex attracted man spells out the need for continued Rainbow activism and for “anti-bullying” programs such as “Safe Schools”.

I don’t believe I ever met Wilson, although he interacted with AFC on Facebook on numerous occasions.

I’m sorry I will never have the chance now. He sounded upbeat, dedicated and amiable – someone unafraid to speak up for the things he cared about. What a tragedy that his life ended so early.

And how sad that many people will be too scared to share their views in future for fear of reprisals.

And that’s a point I’d like to reflect on.

Many people are afraid to share their views.

People feel the need to hide or water down their beliefs for all sorts of reasons: professional security, harmony with family and friends, or simply not wanting to be pigeonholed as a “bigot”, a “hater”, etc.

That’s why we need to do more to support and look out for each other.

Not so long ago, the idea of drag queens reading books to children in libraries would have been unthinkable. Now, we have to defend our position.

Let that sink in for a minute. It’s crazy, but it’s true.

In such a climate, it’s incumbent upon us to lift each other up – to assure each other that it’s OK to believe in radical ideas like family, faith and freedom.

Maybe you might even make a point of reaching out to someone after reading this email?

If you would like to read more about Wilson Gavin, you might be interested in this article.

And this heartfelt statement has been issued by his family.

I’m at a loss for words in trying to summarise this incredibly sad story. 

I can only hope that some good comes from it.