I realized my own queerness late because of so much internalized queerphobia. I didn't begin to unpack that until I had largely deconstructed all my religious and political beliefs.
It's still hard for me to reconcile that, and hard for me to give grace to those who haven't gotten to where I am, even though I know that what changed my mind is exactly what you described - relationship. Thank you for being a bridge.
I can understand how hard it would be to have empathy for those who are still clinging to those harmful narratives. As an ally, I’m understanding that it’s my place to be the bridge, as a person who isn’t directly harmed by them.
I’m so thankful you’ve discovered another piece of who you are, as much as I wish little A had the support they needed much sooner.
Thank you Aleesha for writing and sharing this article, and for your honesty, openess and compasison. And for being an ally and witness to a more inclusive reading and rendering of the Chrisitan faith tradition. I have been an ally for a long time and am a minister in a tradition, the United Church of Christ, that has been open, affirming and inclusive for a long time. I am blessed to work alongside and journey with folkx across the identity spectrum. Being an ally to the LGBTQ2IA+ community and people has been one of the deepest blessings of my life. It is a humbling learning journey built on real relationships formed in love, kindness, compassion, honesty and open heart, mind and spirit. I would not be where or who I am without the grace and generosity of LGBTQ2IA+ friends, colleagues, teachers, mentors, students,, and activists who trusted, challenged and loved me.
Thank you for doing this during Pride month, and for being an ally. God bless you.
We attend a United Church in our community and have been so blessed by how truly open it is to all, without the phony invitation of acceptance only to turn around and expect change. I believe that change, of course, does happen, but it’s love that transforms us and not adherence to a set of rules or expectations of what others think that change should be. All are welcome at the creator’s table, and that needs to be reflected in our churches.
I love finding other affirming folx on this journey. I, too, am a much better person for being in relationship with such gracious people.
This makes me smile and feel so happy. I am grateful you all have a faith community of friends who are travelers on the journey with you all. I love what you say: "it's love that transforms us..." Oh yes, truth! I am glad you have found a communtiy that demonstrates that love and that you are such a wonderful witness to a transcendant love that know no bounds. bLessingds to you and your family and community of faith and spirit. I am so grateful for you, your writing and your loving presence.
I realized my own queerness late because of so much internalized queerphobia. I didn't begin to unpack that until I had largely deconstructed all my religious and political beliefs.
It's still hard for me to reconcile that, and hard for me to give grace to those who haven't gotten to where I am, even though I know that what changed my mind is exactly what you described - relationship. Thank you for being a bridge.
I can understand how hard it would be to have empathy for those who are still clinging to those harmful narratives. As an ally, I’m understanding that it’s my place to be the bridge, as a person who isn’t directly harmed by them.
I’m so thankful you’ve discovered another piece of who you are, as much as I wish little A had the support they needed much sooner.
Sending love to little A today 💕
Thank you! ❤️
I am so glad you are you, A. Peace on yur journey.
Thank you, Larry! ❤️
Thank you Aleesha for writing and sharing this article, and for your honesty, openess and compasison. And for being an ally and witness to a more inclusive reading and rendering of the Chrisitan faith tradition. I have been an ally for a long time and am a minister in a tradition, the United Church of Christ, that has been open, affirming and inclusive for a long time. I am blessed to work alongside and journey with folkx across the identity spectrum. Being an ally to the LGBTQ2IA+ community and people has been one of the deepest blessings of my life. It is a humbling learning journey built on real relationships formed in love, kindness, compassion, honesty and open heart, mind and spirit. I would not be where or who I am without the grace and generosity of LGBTQ2IA+ friends, colleagues, teachers, mentors, students,, and activists who trusted, challenged and loved me.
Thank you for doing this during Pride month, and for being an ally. God bless you.
We attend a United Church in our community and have been so blessed by how truly open it is to all, without the phony invitation of acceptance only to turn around and expect change. I believe that change, of course, does happen, but it’s love that transforms us and not adherence to a set of rules or expectations of what others think that change should be. All are welcome at the creator’s table, and that needs to be reflected in our churches.
I love finding other affirming folx on this journey. I, too, am a much better person for being in relationship with such gracious people.
This makes me smile and feel so happy. I am grateful you all have a faith community of friends who are travelers on the journey with you all. I love what you say: "it's love that transforms us..." Oh yes, truth! I am glad you have found a communtiy that demonstrates that love and that you are such a wonderful witness to a transcendant love that know no bounds. bLessingds to you and your family and community of faith and spirit. I am so grateful for you, your writing and your loving presence.