Why I Support the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry

When my older daughter came out as a lesbian nearly eight years ago, my life changed completely—for the better! Many changes occurred in my personal life, but a great transformation happened in my professional life.

Personally, I went into the closet for a while (which I later learned is typical of a lot of parents) and in that darkness, I concentrated mainly on me and asked myself a lot of questions. What did I do wrong? If I had raised my daughter differently, would she have become a heterosexual? More time passed and I sought the support of P-FLAG. There I learned about homosexuality. Other caring, loving parents educated me. They helped me rise out of my self-centeredness, and I began to see the hurt, pain and tears of LGBTQ people themselves.

Then I experienced this at a most personal level when my daughter called to tell me she and her partner had been spit upon by a police officer. After comforting her as much as I could through telephone lines, I vowed to personally support and comfort all people who needed shelter from the cruelty of others. Therefore, I see CLGS as a loving, caring place of shelter and encouragement. I support CLGS as a place where LGBTQ people, along with their friends and families, can begin or continue their personal educational journeys.

Professionally, my ministry changed to one emphasizing social justice for all Godıs children. With further help, assistance, and encouragement from others, I eventually became an advocate for equal rights for LGBTQ people. I support CLGS because I also see it as a place where students, professors, and church professionals learn more about LGBTQ issues and become more informed and enlightened. I support it as the place where we get ammunition we need to fight bigotry and persecution. With CLGS we can continue to proclaim the worth and dignity of all our LGBTQ family and friends.

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