Unison club hosts “Fish Out of Water” film screening

Are the Bible verses often used to speak against homosexuality being interpreted correctly? This is the question Delta College’s LGBTQIA Unison organization attempted to answer at the “Fish Out of Water” documentary screening on April 10. Members of Delta’s Unison club, along with advisor of the club and Assistant Professor of English Lauren Smith, hosted the event.

“We are trying to create more awareness and open up a dialogue in the community between religion and homosexuality,” Smith said.

The film “Fish Out of Water” follows the coming out journey of director Ky Dickens and how she was treated by the religious community. Several pastors, scholars, theologians and academics are interviewed along with multiple same-sex couples. Various Bible verses are explored and given different perspectives in the arguments against homosexuality.

Some of the Bible verses discussed in the film are from Genesis, Leviticus, Romans, 1 Corinthians and Timothy.

One Bible verse examined in the film was Genesis chapters 2-3. The verse refers to the creation of Eve by God for Adam. Religious opponents to homosexuality sometimes say it’s “Adam and Eve” not “Adam and Steve.” Those interviewed in the film interpret the verse to mean instead “God is not interested in gender, but in partnership. The ideal condition for humankind is companionship.”

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Midland Pastor, Rev. Jeff Liebmann was also in attendance.

“The LGBT community has been damaged by mainline Christian Churches,” he said. “We’re losing our youth, to the point where they don’t want to attend church anymore. It’s very important for young people to know there are welcoming congregations out there.”

Aleksis Landers, 20, is a member of Delta’s Unison group.

“The misconception is that the LGBT community is trying to separate themselves from religious groups, which is far from the case. I would like to live both being a lesbian and Christian and would like people to have open minds,” Landers said.

After the screening, audience members were encouraged to ask questions regarding the film, religion or personal experiences. Those who wished to remain anonymous with their questions were provided note cards.12