I sat with you in church today. One week after many of my siblings were gunned down. I heard from a couple of you this past week, receiving messages of love and shared sadness. I noticed the background for the PowerPoint, a rainbow reflection with a heart made of tears. It probably looked like water to most of you, but it was formed by my tears, my wife’s tears, the tears of the victims, the tears of those that ended their lives because the pain was too much, and the tears of their family members.
Tears streamed down my face as I sat motionless. Listening to the sermon which called each of us by name. Every lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual person. I looked around the room and tried to know what you were thinking, what you were feeling when you heard your pastor call a nightclub a sanctuary. Did you understand that the place you were worshiping in does not feel like a sanctuary to me? I am not safe from judgement there.
Were you uncomfortable listening to your pastor talk about the LGBTQIA+ population? I am uncomfortable and hiding pieces of myself every time I worship with you; every time I stand in front of you as your president.
After service, this question was asked of your pastor, “Did people react differently to your sermon today? Did more people squirm?” The answer was yes.
When you checked out because you didn’t want to hear what was being said, or squirmed in your seat because you were uncomfortable, it was directed at me.
If you were nodding, this isn’t for you because you get it. But, if you were nodding, you need to notice those that weren’t.
I am your sister in Christ, and I am hurting for my siblings who were murdered. I am hurting for myself because I am afraid of the people I worship with, and the people on the street. And I am hurting for you because you cannot understand why I hurt.
This topic will not go away when the world stops talking about Orlando because I am not going away. I am loved just as much as you are loved. I deserve to be accepted just as you deserve be accepted. All my LGBTQIA+ siblings deserve to be accepted by you in your place of worship. You must open your hearts and minds and learn how to accept us. We will help you learn, just welcome us.
dreadedlesbian 