LGBTQIA+ Ministry Observes National Coming Out Day

The LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual and Ally, Plus all other identifications) Ministry at St. Matthew’s recognizes and celebrates National Coming Out Day, which occurs each year on October 11. The day is observed to support LGBTQIA+ individuals coming out of the closet and living openly. Started in 1988 to mark the anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights in response to inaction during the AIDS crisis, the day highlights the belief that misunderstanding and harm thrive in silence and ignorance, and that knowing an openly LGBTQIA+ person helps break down stereotypes. The Human Rights Campaign offers information and support. As always, Deacon Kate welcomes questions and conversations about this celebration.

Pádraig Ó Tuama

returnings

I see her, former colleague

in the baggage area of a 

foreign airport.

Oh hi, she says,

looking awkwardly towards the 

empty carousel.

Then she decides.

I hear you’re gay now, she says.

are you still a Christian?

Oh how will we tell this story?

She, to her friends, with

sadness, curiosity and prayers 

for reorientation and returning.

Me, to mine, with sadness,

anger, and prayers for

refocusing the lenses and 

returning.

And the anger was all mine.

And that question

was all about her.

Should we not just dance instead,

I should have said,

together turn a little waltz in

the chorus of our own bodies

while we wait and wait and wait

for something better

than the empty carousel of this

question. 

How will we tell this story?

How will I tell this story?

With sadness.

With practicing of little

ballroom dances

while we wait, confidently,

for what is most important to be 

returned.