From Sisters friends together 

The Straight Pill

 March 13, 2009

If there was a pill that could make me straight in body, mind, and heart…I would not take it.

If taking such a pill would restore all my lost friendships, regain my parents pride, and give back my families respect…I would not take it.

If taking such a pill would return me to my former ministry, the admiration of the congregation, and the loving welcome of the church…I would not take it.

If taking such a pill would replace the love I have for my wife with an equal love for a man, and we could legally marry, and we would be granted full rights under the law without fighting for them…I would not take it.

If taking such a pill would mean no one would reject me for being who I am, for saying what I believe, and for standing boldly as one who follows Christ...I would not take it.

If taking such a pill could take the world back in time, before I came out of the closet, before I said I was gay, before I knew I was gay, before inequality touched me, before hate revealed its ugliness to me, before anyone rejected me, before anything was lost to me, before I ever questioned God’s love for me…I would not take it.

If taking that pill would make me straight,famous, wealthy, talented, adored, beautiful, and thin…I would not take it.

I would never take a pill that would make me straight because I love being who I am. I love being whole and free.I love seeing the world from where I stand. I love feeling passion burning in me for equality. I love being part of a people who are courageous and relentless. I love being one in Spirit with every queer youth, with every gay man and woman, with every bisexual man and woman, with every transman and transwoman, with every ally and friend, with everyone who questions, doubts and searches and I love being one in Spirit with you. Bound in hope, and faith, and love. Bound in God.

If there was a pill I could take that would make you straight and taking that pill would end all your confusion and anxiety and remove your fear that God has rejected you I would not take that pill even for you.

You are gay.

You are not wrong.

You are not sinful.

You are not evil or perverted.

You are not unworthy.

You are not a mistake.

You are not to be ashamed.

You are gay.

God loves you.

God holds you.

God stands with you.

God delights in you.

God calls you “My own.”

If there was a pill that could make me straight and make you straight…

I.

Would.

Not.

Take.

It.

“Let’s face it. We’re undone by each other. And if we’re not, we’re missing something. If this seems so clearly the case with grief, it is only because it was already the case with desire. One does not always stay intact. It may be that one wants to, or does, but it may also be that despite one’s best efforts, one is undone, in the face of the other, by the touch, by the scent, by the feel, by the prospect of the touch, by the memory of the feel. And so when we speak about my sexuality or my gender, as we do (and as we must), we mean something complicated by it. Neither of these is precisely a possession, but both are to be understood as modes of being dispossessed, ways of being for another, or, indeed, by virtue of another.” 
— Judith Butler 

People I have never met yet have changed my life…

Martin Luther

The next set of blogs from today will individually mentions several individuals who i have never met yet have altered the course of my life. I love each of them and I hope through their quotes you can see why too. 

Skakum

Rev. Irene Monroe 

A religion columnist, public theologian, and speaker. As an African American feminist theologian, she speaks for a sector of society that is frequently invisible. 

Monroe’s columns are an integration of African American, gender, queer and religious studies. As an religion columnist, Monroe tries to inform the public of the role religion plays in discrimination against LGBT people and how religious intolerance and fundamentalism not only shatters the goal of democracy, but also aids in perpetuating other forms of oppressions such as racism, sexism, classism and anti- Semitism. 

Monroe is a doctoral candidate in the Religion, Gender and Culture program at Harvard Divinity School in Cambridge, MA, and a Ford Foundation fellow. She was also the head teaching fellow of the Rev. Peter Gomes, the Pusey Minister in the Memorial Church at Harvard University

Bishop Gene Robinson

“The folks who are saying this is a communion-breaker are saying that this is more important than all of those things that bind us together and I just don’t agree with that.”

“Sometimes there are things worth risking your life for. It was Jesus who said if you want to save your life, you have to lose it.”

People I have never met yet have changed my life…BP#

The next set of blogs from today will individually mentions several individuals who i have never met yet have altered the course of my life. I love each of them and I hope through their quotes you can see why too. 

Skakum

Archbishop Desmond Tutu

“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.”

TIME: Twenty years ago, you became the first black to lead the Anglican Church in South Africa. What positive changes have you seen in the church since? 

Tutu: In our own church we ordained women to the priesthood, which is a fantastic thing. When the church in the U.S. elected its first woman presiding bishop [Katherine Jefferts Schori], I said, “Yippee!” 

TIME: In 1998, you told the Archbishop of Canterbury that you were ashamed to be Anglican when the church failed to liberalize its attitudes toward gay clergy. Do you still feel that way? 

Tutu: Yes. For me, there doesn’t seem to be a difference at all with how I felt when people were being clobbered for something about which they could do nothing — their race. I can’t believe that the Jesus Christ I worship would be on the side of those who persecute an already persecuted minority. That we should be tearing ourselves apart on this issue of human sexuality when the world faces such devastating problems as poverty, AIDS and conflict seems as if we are fiddling whilst our Rome is burning.

Hope of what is still to come… BP#

On Wednesday, the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles officially approved the election of Mary Douglas Glasspool as their first openly partnered lesbian bishop. The move from the Episcopal diocese of Los Angeles to elect 55-year-old Reverend Canon Mary Glasspool, who has been in a relationship with another woman since 1988, comes months after the US church lifted a ban on gay bishops. Glasspool was functionally elected bishop along with in Diane Jardine Bruce December of 2009 but both had to wait for consent of their election from the Office of the Episcopal Church which was finalized March 30th 2010. Upon her election a flood of local, national and international support, praise, skepticism and criticism had poured in, as well as speculation about the impact of the elections of the Rev. Canon Diane Jardine Bruce and, more specifically, the Rev. Canon Mary Douglas Glasspool, within the local and global church relations.

Episcopal  Bishop Jon Bruno addressed such concerns, as well as those about diversity, during a meeting with reporters at the conclusion of the Dec. 4-5 “Faith & Our Future” convention held at the Riverside Convention Center in Riverside, California. “The people of Los Angeles elected these women,” said Bruno. “The people of the Diocese of Los Angeles said … we want at least one woman. Well, they got double their wish.” A majority of the 680 clergy and lay delegates attending the two-day gathering on Dec. 4 elected Bruce on the third ballot from among a field of six candidates. A well-known Los Angeles area priest, Glasspool had served for nine years as rector of St. Clements by-the-Sea Church in San Clemente. She became the first woman bishop in the diocese’s 114-year history,  the 16th woman elected bishop in the Episcopal Church, as well as the 2^nd Gay Bishop to be elected within the history of the world wide Episcopal Church (Bishop Gene Robinson was consecrated the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church in 2003 in New Hampshire).

On March 31st, however, the Leader of the world wide Episcopal church, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams emailed a statement to the Episcopal News Service from Lambeth Palace, saying, “it is regrettable that the appeals from Anglican Communion bodies for continuing gracious restraint have not been heeded.” Archbishop Williams had previously reacted in December to Glasspool’s initial election and said at the time that “the outcome of the consent process would have important implications for the communion” and that “further consultation will now take place about the implications and consequences of this decision.”

Bishop David C. Anderson, President and CEO of the American Anglican Council, issued a statement echoing the concern of the Archbishop of Canterbury and going one step further. “What this means is the majority of The Episcopal Church’s leaders - down to the diocesan level throughout America - are exercising no restraint as requested by the Archbishop of Canterbury and the primates of the Anglican Communion. Despite pleas to the contrary, they have given their consent for a partnered lesbian to become a bishop, not just for Los Angeles, but for the whole church,” the bishop added. “Unfortunately,” he continued, “this comes as no surprise because The Episcopal Church, at its General Convention this summer, voted in favor of allowing dioceses to determine whether they will conduct same sex blessings using whatever rites they deem appropriate. Even if The Episcopal Church should eventually decide to sign an Anglican Covenant, it has shown time and time again that it will not abide by traditional Christian and Anglican Communion teaching on marriage and sexuality.”

The Anglican Church faces the same kind of turmoil that erupted in 2003 when openly gay Reverend Gene Robinson of New Hampshire was elected bishop, sparking joy from liberals but outrage among traditionalists, particularly in Africa. The more liberal stance of the Episcopalian leadership has increasingly divided congregations within the United States in recent years, prompting some conservative parishes and dioceses to leave the national church. It has also had wider implications on the worldwide Anglican Communion, which for years has struggled to unite liberal and conservative fringes that are diametrically opposed on the issue of gay bishops.

Knowing this, and acknowledging the tumultuous climate within the wider Episcopal Church Glasspool issued this statement following her election, “I am also aware that not everyone rejoices in this election and consent, and will work, pray, and continue to extend my own hands and heart to bridge those gaps, and strengthen the bonds of affection among all people, in the Name of Jesus Christ”. It is my hope and prayer that those within the Episcopal Church that find themselves on either side of the debate will take the time to follow her lead, to extend their own hearts and hand to bridge the gaps in the community of faith to enable the fellowship of the church as well as its continued mission of grace, hope, love, and peace to the world.

Skakes

For the last 2 years GALIA (Gay And Lesbian Integrity Association club @ the U of L) has been dreaming, planning for the day that they would get the chance to make a permanent, long lasting, and positive change on campus for the Queer community. Last night GALIA achieved the first step in this goal when their proposal for a permanent resource center (written with the blood, sweat, and tears of its members and leadership) was approved by the Students Union board at a General Assembly meeting last night. With the aid of the SU, individual cooperate sponsorship, U of L’s Capital projects team, GALIA will be the recipient of a renovated room on level zero of the students union building in which they will run and facilitate a Queer resource center not only for the campus but the wider community. While the acquisition of such a room was not easy, and while it will take sometime before the room will be at the clubs disposal, the steps taken by the club and the students union last night is something to be celebrated in the steps towards a brighter future for queers on this campus and throughout southern Alberta. There is still much work to be done…but on the back of an event known as “OutSpoken” GALIA has proven that they are a club that is here to promote positive change, to be an effective member in the discourse surrounding queer issues, and to dig in when and where necessary to make change possible.

Here is to the future,

Skakes

Did you just see what I saw…BP#

As many of you know, this blog was created and is maintained for a Sociology class I am currently in this term. We were instructed to create a blog with a common theme or direction and as part of the project we were to update it at least once a week. This past week we got back our first reviews. While mine was good I thought I would address some of the issues the reviewer felt the blog needed to overcome to achieve more success. The Main issue addressed within the review was the lack of a common consistent theme in my blog…that it seems kind of random…or like it was just a list of my thoughts. Well I am here to admit that this analysis is partly true but I think once I take the time to explain the concept for my blog, my blog itself will appear to gain some consistency in its framing.

My blog is called “This is my thesis broken down in to pieces…” and that is functionally how I like to think of my blog…as the themes represented within the blog will likely comprise the majority of my thesis work in my masters. I am currently on track to pursue a Masters of Divinity upon my completion of my B.A. in religious studies here at the University. That being said my master’s thesis will likely be based on my experiences within the church as a marginalized member or “othered member” of Christian community as I am a gay Christian. If you have been reading most of my posts they either adhere to the theme of GLBT issues, faith, belief, theology, the church, or Christianity in general…essentially this blog is my existence within two very different yet very similar worlds. Worlds which each separate community would like me to believe, to some extent, that the other “rhelm” is fanciful and non-existent. My friend and I often joke that we feel like bigfoot or a unicorn when “outted” or caught in either community “there goes that Christian that is gay…or…there goes that gay that is Christian…strange I never knew they existed. Must have been my eyes playing a trick on me”. This blog is a testament to my world…which functionally exists in two world…which at times are seemly at odds yet equally similar at heart. This blog is my attempt at explaining to both worlds I live in the matters important to my heart and my life in both worlds. Its my way of trying to make the two worlds I live in one while also staying true to myself.

I hope this helps in understanding my blog, my world, and eventually, my future thesis…

Shalom,

Skakes

OUTspoken is a FREE three day workshop series from March 10th to March 12th, 2010 for the community of Lethbridge and surrounding areas to educate attendees on relevant LGBTTQI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, two-spirited, queer, intersex) topics. Over the three days, “OUTspoken” will consist of guest speakers, open forums, and other forms of education and entertainment. If you’re thinking OUTspoken isnt for you, you couldn’t be more wrong! Invite your friends and your family and join us for an amazing three days.

OUTspoken Workshops and Lectures

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

OUTspoken Kick-Off! 12pm - 5pm
OUTspoken will officially begin in the Atrium at noon featuring speakers and information booths from various groups and organizations in and around Lethbridge. Come prepared to share a few words during the open mic. - Atrium of University Hall

Queer 101 – Dr. Suzanne Lenon – 3pm - 4pm
If you are feeling the need for more information before attending the workshops then be sure to check out Queer 101, an introduction to the topics presented during OUTspoken. Dr. Suzanne Lenon, University of Lethbridge professor of Women’s Studies, will explain the word “queer” and uncover the diversity and humanity found within this broad topic. - C610, University Hall

Main Session: What’s Morally Wrong with Homosexuality? - Dr. John Corvino – 7:30pm - 9pm
Dr. John Corvino, also known as the “Gay Moralist”, has been challenging audiences since 1992 to confront the question, “What’s morally wrong with homosexuality? … and if nothing, then what’s all the fuss about?” Combining humour, sensitivity, and intellect Dr. Corvino will invite us to rethink some of the assumptions we may have as he dismantles those common arguments used against homosexual conduct, including those based on harm, nature, and religion. He will also provide an opportunity to answer any questions you may have for him. Dr. Corvino, award-winning teacher and activist, has been speaking on gay rights for over 15 years, and is currently Associate Professor of Philosophy at Wayne State University. – L1060, Link Building (Outside of Library)

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Struggles Within: Creating a Comprehensive Queer Movement – Sonny Dhoot – 1pm - 2pm
Sonny Dhoot, a Sociology student at the University of Lethbridge, will draw attention to the counter-domination of heterosexism, which he feels a unified queer movement can produce. He will explain the importance of acknowledging the unseen enactments of homonormativity that reproduce oppressions, in order to create a “truly” queer-positive movement. – TH241, Turcotte Hall

The Importance of Allies – Kristie McDonald – 2pm - 3pm
If you have ever wondered why or how straight people become active supporters within queer culture then this is the workshop for you. Join Kristie McDonald, a University of Lethbridge student and self-identified ally, as she describes who allies are and why allies are so necessary. – TH241, Turcotte Hall

A History of Queer Activism in Canada – Tyson Skriver – 3pm - 4pm
Take a brief look into the history of queer activism in Canada with Tyson Skriver, University of Lethbridge Sociology student and Vice President of the Gay and Lesbian Integrity Association, as he explores the names, faces, and events that helped shape Canadian society into what we know today. - TH241, Turcotte Hall

Inclusive Education – Tara Elliott – 5pm - 6pm
Tara Elliott, Director of Education Projects for Egale Canada, will speak on Gay/Straight Alliances, their purposes within schools, and the importance of creating inclusive classrooms. A perfect presentation for present and future teachers as well as junior and senior high students. - TH 204, Turcotte Hall

Queer and Christian Q&A – 6pm - 7pm
Is it possible to be a queer person and still maintain your religious beliefs? Are there any churches out there that openly accept queer people, and if so what do they look like? Join a small panel of Lethbridge and area residents as they briefly share their own unique stories of being queer and Christian or the acceptance and love they have shown to those who are close to them. Then participate in the discussion as the group opens the floor to your questions. – PE264, Health and Wellness Centre

Rhino in the Room: Queer Film Presentation and Screening – Heather Zarichney and Britt Elder – 7pm - 8pm
Founded in 2008, Rhino in the Room International Queer Film Festival, the first of its kind in Lethbridge, made history in our city last September as it showcased the incredible diversity of queer issues and artists working in Canada and internationally, and became an annual event. Representatives Heather Zarichney and Britt Elder will bring us their perspectives on queer film, followed by a screening of two short films “12-03-10” and “Boycrazy”. – PE264, Health and Wellness Centre

Friday, March 12, 2010

Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Today – Charleen Davidson – 1pm - 2pm
Charleen Davidson, Executive Director of the Lethbridge HIV Connection Society, will provide an interactive presentation on the topic of sexual health and reveal the common myths and misconceptions that many people believe today regarding HIV/AIDS. - L1168, Library

Drag 1000 – Carl – 2pm - 3pm
A brief introduction to drag inviting everyone to discover what drag is, why do drag, and how it is related to gender. This very interactive presentation, led by the dangerously handsome Carl, will teach you the necessary basics to understanding drag and how to unleash your inner king or queen. Feel free to bring your own gender bending tools! - L1168, Library

Trans Talk: Expanding Concepts of Gender – Mickey Wilson – 3pm - 4pm
Join Mickey Wilson, chair of Egale Canada’s National Trans Committee, as he helps us begin to explore identities under the trans(gender) umbrella and the complexities of gender identity and expression. - L1168, Library

A Parent’s Perspective – Terry Dreaddy – 6pm - 7pm
Terry Dreaddy, former Chief of the Taber Police Service, invites us to join him as he shares his thoughts and personal experiences as a father of a gay child. – L1050, Link Building (Outside of Library)

OUTspoken Wrap-Up: An Evening with Elvira Kurt – 7pm - 9pm
One of Canada’s own extremely talented comedians will close OUTspoken with an act that is sure to leave you gasping for breath. Toronto-born “fellagirly” lesbian, vegetarian, and comedian Elvira Kurt will make the trip to Lethbridge to bring you a hilarious performance you won’t soon forget. Elvira has been recognized on numerous occasions for her side-splitting North American performances. She has been nominated as both U.S. College Comedian and Entertainer of the Year and has received a Gemini-nomination for her comedy special Elvira Kurt: I’m A Big Girl Now. She is also no stranger to comedic writing, as she has written for This Hour Has 22 Minutes and has contributed to the CBS pilot and HBO special for Ellen DeGeneres. – SU Ballroom B, Level 3 of the Student Union Building

Asylum…if you can find it that is  #BP

Proving your status as a refugee eligible for political asylum often means demonstrating that you are who you say you are. This can entail providing a DNA sample to prove you’re someone’s relative, or revealing scars or other evidence of brutal treatment in your native country. But what if the basis for your claim is that you’re gay—how do you demonstrate this fact to the satisfaction of a judge? This question has been the basis of a group project I have taken part in during this spring semester at the U of L. Achieving the refugee status of political asylum is something that is more easily said then done however as “homosexuality” appear to be a grey area within the law for many nations whether they are GLBTQ (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Trans, Queer) supportive or not. The video and the following article quote explain this issue better then I could hope to…so listen, think, and reflect, and if moved please check out the links below for further information on the subject.

Skakes

“Two Islamic men seeking asylum in Australia faced just this dilemma when threatened with extradition to Bangladesh. So they offered to prove they were gay by having sex before an Australian immigration official. The offer followed attempts by an immigration tribunal to get to the bottom of the men’s sexual orientation through verbal means, which included questions on their use of lubricants when having sex, whether they did it in the morning, and so on. One of the men told a reporter that he’d been “too embarrassed to answer the personal questions.” Which is when the two men issued this statement: “We are prepared to have an adult witness view us engaged in an act of homosexual intercourse and then attest before you to that fact.” The fact that this form of demonstration was less embarrassing than talking about sex might point to a feature of Islamic culture. Meanwhile, the case has moved to a higher court, which blasted the tribunal for this line of questioning—and for insisting that the men were really brothers (which was disproved by a DNA test). No word on whether they ever had to perform for an immigration official; this may be a case when just the offer was enough

Find information about seeking asylum, including finding an agency or lawyer to help you, in 35 countries around the world here.

As well an extensive collection of documents relating to the persecution of sexual minorities and HIV+ people here.

And also information about the law and process of asylum in a particular country here.

Gaze of the media…#BP

The 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver have proven to be exciting as well as awe inspiring on many a front. Whether it’s the high speed action on the slopes or the heart felt and artistic performances of athletes in a sport such as figure skating, the Olympic Games have brought all expressions of competition to the Vancouver area. While athletes have always gathered in the Olympics to share the common experience of competing at their highest levels and the comradely of being a part of such a prestigious event, this year the athlete village took this notion to a a new level. At the 2010 games Canada raised up the first ever PRIDE resident house for GLBT individuals that are participating at the games. This house brings together not only athletes but also coaches, support staff, judges, and other GLBT individuals who are involved with the games in one common and supportive environment on Davies Street. At the house any individuals is able to gain the support of their community while also receiving any extra support they may need while at the games, whether or not they chose to reside at the pride house for the games. The hope the organizers expressed was that for the first time, GLBT Olympic athletes would feel safe to be themselves, to be out and proud of who they are, and to find support if they feel they need it at the games.

Over the last few days it has become abundantly clear that such a residence and resource center is deeply needed by athletes at these games. Johnny Weir, an American participant in the men’s figure skating competition, has become the epic center of a homophobic onslaught by several media groups. 105.3 FM KRLD host Gregg Hanson chose to make the following remark about Johnny Weir in his coverage about the mens competition, “yeah we know you’re gay, queen” and “it’s your choice to live that ‘lifestyle’.” In a similar format John ‘Rock’ Mamola on 670 The Score in Chicago said people at the station never talk on air about how great of an athlete Johnny Weir is, because all they can think about is whether he’s gay.

It is not only the American Media who have chosen to include homophobic remarks surrounding Weirs performance at the games as two Australian commentators Eddie McGuire and Mick Moloy also chose to get in on the “fun”. The broadcasters described skating routine at the Games as a “Brokeback Mountain” exercises - a reference to the Oscar-winning film about two gay cowboys. McGuire and Moloy also quipped that the Games’ organizers were shocked to discover one of the male ice skaters was NOT gay and mocked their costumes. Molloy also made the following comment while a procession of male figure skaters was shown on screen: “They don’t leave anything in the locker room these blokes, do they?” to which McGuire responded “They don’t leave anything in the closet either, do they?”

While the 2010 Olympic Games have proven to once again show the depth and breadth of athlete’s ability to rise above adversity to perform under unimaginable pressure, they have also proven to testify to the issues many athletes still face due to their race, gender, and sexuality. However, with resources such as the Pride house creating a safe and welcoming environment for GLBT Olympians, we can all have some hope that someday the homophobic remarks expressed at these games will become a thing of the past. That thought the courage of out and proud GLBT athletes minds will change, hearts will open, and hatred will end.

Skakes

ps. If you feel strongly about this issues check it out on-line or on CBC. Write a complaint to the media boards as some have already done in the case of the two Australian commentators Eddie McGuire and Mick Moloy. A Facebook page has been created called ‘Eddie McGuire is ruining the 2010 Winter Olympics coverage.

smellylittlegranola:

equalitopia:

The controversial anti-gay Westboro Baptist Church showed up to protest in front of Twitter’s San Francisco office on Thursday, but found themselves severely outnumbered by a crowd of anti-protesters, including a group of people who rick-rolled them.

(Photo: Sandwichgirl)