I am non-binary though it’s often easiest to call myself a lesbian. I grew up during a time when the topic of gay marriage seemed to be on everybody’s lips (in the 80’s and 90’s). During elementary school, most of the pope I heard were strongly opposed. I was told that there were things wrong with homosexuals. They were as twisted as pedophiles but worse because homos thought they should be accepted in society. This information I processed in silence. I knew even then that I was queer and that what I was being told couldn’t have been true but… I had no words that I thought could break through the intense emotions that often accompanied the anti-queer speech. I only knew that I probably couldn’t defend my position well.
In my teenaged years, the isolation and powerlessness became such that I needed to take a risk. I decided to tell my church mentor that I am gay. I was surprised to find her accepting and… that she thought being queer was so natural and normal.
I wish I knew sooner how many people are/were accepting. The whole “don’t tussle any feathers by talking” attitude kept me isolated way longer than I needed to be.
My faith was challenged when I was told all homosexuals go to hell. How could a merciful God punish people for how they express their God-given traits involving love? I felt forced to explore this question alone. While it was difficult, it strengthened my faith because I really had to dig deep and scrutinize the whats, whys and hows of Christian expression/interpretations of God’s love.
[Shared with permission. Photo credit: Wix stock photo.]