Shane Bitney Crone speaks out about global LGBTQ issue

Shane Bitney Crone voices feelings on an LGBTQ matter that affects us all.

Activist Shane Bitney Crone (Bridegroom) posted a bittersweet message on his Instagram five days ago which nearly brought tears to my eyes. Islamic State (ISIS) has released images showing a gay man being pushed from a roof in Mosul, Iraq. The terrorist organization uploaded the photographs to Justpaste.it, a file-sharing service. The images were circulated quickly.

Text accompanying the photo stated, “That the man had committed the crime of the practices of the "people of Lot," a euphemism for sodomy, and that he must be killed by being "thrown from a high place." reported by RFERL

Crone states how in one day he felt the emotions of happy and sad at the same time. Five days ago, the Unites States Supreme Court took up four cases challenging state bans on same-sex marriage rights.
“It is most likely that the Court will rule in favor of equal rights, bringing marriage equality nationwide.”, says Crone. A few hours later, Crone finds out about two gay men being thrown from a rooftop for being gay. Being an activist for equality and finding out about the cases taken up by the United States Supreme Court was more than satisfying news, but in the same moment he realizes how hard it is for LGBT people in other parts of the world. Crone states,”Today has made me grateful for recent progress, but mindful that we still have far to go as a global community”.

Today has become very bittersweet. First, the United States Supreme Court decided to take up four cases challenging state bans on same-sex marriage rights. It is most likely that the Court will rule in favor of equal rights, bringing marriage equality nationwide. A few hours later, however, I learned of the horrific, gut-wrenching news that two gay men were thrown from a building, to their deaths, by members of ISIS. ---------------------------------- I try to post uplifting news stories and images but I also believe in the importance of highlighting injustices that occur around the world. As hard as it can be to live as a gay man in the U.S., it is sometimes easy to forget how much harder it is for LGBT people in other parts of the world. My heart breaks for the victims and their families and my thoughts go out to everyone affected by this tragic event. ---------------------------------- Today has made me grateful for recent progress but mindful that we still have far to go as a global community.

A photo posted by Shane Bitney Crone (@shanebitneycrone) on Jan 16, 2015 at 6:09pm PST

image via instagram from Shane Bitney Crone

Shane Bitney Crone has evolved into a public figure. He is an activist, speaker, writer and filmmaker. In 2005 back when he was doing the Hollywood thing he met a man that would change his life forever. Tom Bridegroom not only changed Shanes life, but his heart as well. They quickly fell in love and spent every moment together building a life. Everything came to a halt on 2011 when Tom died in a tragic accident. A year after Tom's death, Shane made a ten minute short on Youtube recapping his experiences, their love story and what Shane had to endure in the aftermath of Tom’s death. The video went viral. The video had over four million views. Linda Bloodworth Thomason, a director, became interested in the story. The two collaborated and Bridegroom: A Love Story was created into a full-length documentary. If you have not seen this film, please do so and bring tissues!

Today Shane Bitney Crone travels regularly to promote Bridegroom and to continue campaigning for LGBTQ rights. Hence why this day he felt passionate to speak about his feelings on the subjects of Nationwide Marriage Equality and issues globally that LGBTQ people still face even while we are making strides.

top right image courtesy of INFphoto.com