Love you sooo much, MK! And thank you for being such a strong ally for the LG BTQ+ community. I really didn’t live my authentic life until age 40. And when I went to my first Pride parade, it was wonderful! I felt like I was with “my people” for the first time! But after Pride was over, I’d return to my low key kind of life, don’t display affection in public and definitely don’t come out at work. But every June, there were activities where I could be me with my girlfriend, who’s now my wife, but we had to careful of news cameras so we didn’t end up on the news because my wife wasn’t out to her family. And now as I approach my 70th year of life on this earth, I appreciate Pride more and more. As a child of the 50’s, it was so hard coming to terms with who I am. But with each passing year, I’ve become more and more comfortable with who I am because I’m finding many allies attending and showing support. We are all humans, and deserve happiness. I wish there were gazillions more like you, MK! ❤️🏳️🌈🌈
MK you truly are a Christian.I’m a straight ally of the gay community like you.I will pray this never happens again anywhere to anyone.We should never forget this happened to innocent people.
Thank you for sharing this. I am a Christian and a transman. I wasn't raised in the church. I became a Christian through my own personal experiences. I have experienced a lot of hatred from people who claim to love God. I have been told I wasn't welcome in churches, told I'm going to hell, and even some churches will "allow me" to come to church, but not become a member. I have also been a part of an affirming church where we had gay, lesbian, and trans pastors. That church was firebombed by some other church in the neighborhood, believing they were doing God's work. But, by God's grace, no one was hurt and the fire burned the wall, but the cross on the wall was untouched by the flames. There's are still black marks on the wall. I went through 3 years of seminary classes and and a 6 hour oral exam before becoming an ordained minister only to be rejected by every church I've been to since. The Bible doesn't teach hatred, but a lot of churches do. Thank you for helping bridge the gap. I pray that all people can experience God's love and peace. Most people quote John 3:16, but they leave out verse 17 which says, "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him." He is a God of love, not hate.
I grew up in Chicago in the 1950s-60s, in an Irish Catholic neighborhood on the city's Southside. I attended Catholic schools for 12yrs & believe me, we were taught to look down on all Protestants as "fake Christians". It wasn't until college that I met my 1st black people, Jewish people, homosexuals. I'm sure there were classmates in those earlier years, possibly transgender kids as well, but such things were never spoken about in our sheltered lives.
I majored in Theatre &, suddenly, I was surrounded by gays. By the time I graduated, I had scores of wonderful gay friends. They were kind, talented, hardworking, normal people. I was so lucky to know them.
After college, I joined the Travel industry, which also attracts many gay people. Made many dear friends, some of whom I'm still in touch with now at age 74.
My Mom, then in her 80s, came to know many of my gay friends (attending parties with me). I was so proud of her - a mildly conservative, very Catholic woman - that she was able to accept them just as the normal, lovely human beings they were. If my Mom could do that, there's hope for all of us.
But you are not a Christian! And homosexuality IS a sin! It is detestable to God, and all who practice homosexuality and die in their sins will be condemned to a very real place called hell for eternity. Homosexuality is a choice! Science has proven through multiple massive studies that there is no gay gene! God has made it clear in his word that there are only 2 genders.. Male and Female. And he has defined what marriage is..
-one man and one woman- entered into a covenant before God for life. This is God's universe, and because it is God's universe, and God has made the rules for man to live by, and since man does not have a universe, man does not have the right or the authority to dictate the definition of love or marriage defined by God. Lastly, there is freedom in Christ for all who will humble themselves before God, turn from their sins and trust in Christ alone.
Of course every human deserves to be treated with dignity— but Angela didn’t say otherwise.
Is it “unchristian” to simple state what the Bible says?
Nothing Angela said was mean or offensive. She simply laid out the case for the fact that the Bible calls homosexuality a sin, and the idea that God gets to make the rules around sexuality and marriage. That’s it.
And suddenly it’s “unchristian” to state the truth?
I’m for the truth especially when it comes to Biblical truth which is what I guide my life by daily. Yet, coming on posts like these to simply think we are going to “convert them to Christianity and immediately turn from their ways” is not the way. Everything Jesus ever did was to see the person and then speak the Truth. Remember the verse well in 1 Corinthians which reminds us that “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal (NIV). Unfortunately, Angela’s post was deliberately put here in this space but it not showing love in the way Jesus would love.
Well, I don’t think she or anyone else thinks that just quoting a verse or stating the truth here is going to save people— God does that. But it may be a seed. There are also lots of false ideas about the Bible actually does say about the sin of homosexuality, so I think it’s good for people to at least be aware of the truth— what the Bible actually says verses what some people claims it says. Of course, this is not enough or its own.
But you are assuming that she isn’t doing more. You assume that her post was a gospel pamphlet left on the street but you don’t know if she engages with nonbelievers more than that in here daily life.
Let’s not be ashamed of stating the truth, and not courage each other to show gospel love AND to speak it. (And not assume that just because a person speaks the gospel that they are not also living it. Many do, but you can’t now that from just a screen interaction with a person.)
Totally agree! We wouldn’t know so there is grace all around for us all when we share the Truth even if we’re just planting the seed. Glad she stood up! God calls us all to different places and circumstances to share who He is for all of humanity who needs to hear it. It does hurt my heart about when the Bible is dissected into pieces that complete agendas and on the other hand when God is used to weaponize hate. Thanks for engaging with me friend and helping me to think more and be bolder!
'Pride is the spirit of millions of people who have chosen to dance in the crosshairs.'
An amazing line that resonates for me. I was approaching my 49th birthday and saw the word demigirl. This was the egg cracking moment. I sat with this for a few weeks, and choose to let the egg become fully scrambled on the day of my birthday, which coincided with a protest in my province regarding trans rights in schools. Standing in solidarity with the students and teachers who are celebrating their freedom, their authenticity is something long overdue. And living authentically in the face of oppression has given me the happiest time of my life.
This is a powerful piece of work - leaving me in tears. You did justice for your friends who continue “to dance in the crosshairs”. I’m sorry that you had to experience that. Keep faith that human beings will prevail over religious or political extremism and hate crimes.
A friend shared this post on Facebook and I had to join substack so i could follow the you. Thank you for such a clear, powerful, and loving article. I wept as I read it. We are about to sing our first-ever Evensong for Pride at Vancouver’s Christ Church Cathedral this Sunday (4pm if anyone is in the area.) It seems very kismet that I read your post just as I’m contemplating whether to post about the service in a forum that I know hasn’t been friendly to such posts in the past. Thank you.
I just found you because someone shared your post on Facebook, and it ended up in my feed. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your words. I came out and joined the LGBTQ+ at age 46 after living a life of heteronormative privilege, being in a mixed-gender marriage, and raising four amazing kids. I lost so many "friends" during that time, and it was devastating. So many were "Christians." Your words moved me today, and I simply wanted to say thanks. XO
Thank you for sharing your story! I was married for 16 years, together for almost 18, and came out during our divorce 2 years ago at age 48. It still seems surreal that I even came out. But it was the most freeing thing I've ever done. I'm proud to be who I am for the first time in my life. But I've personally seen the hate that can come from so called Christians. My brother is one of them. It's disgusting. Reading MK's article really hit home for me. I don't love that we were closeted for so long (thanks church), but I find it comforting seeing and meeting other people who came out later in life. Thank you again for sharing! 💙
Thanks for sharing your story, too, Eric! I'm sorry your brother is still stuck in his religious judgment. My sister was the same way. We were working on mending our relationship when she died unexpectedly a year ago. It's so sad to me that religion kept us distant. Here's to living and loving with all our hearts! XO
Thank you for being you MK! And thank you for being our voice when so many of us are struggling to find the words to even express how hurtful the world feels right now. Much love to you 💙
If only those that fear anyone different from themselves would follow Pema Chodron's advice that instead of running away from fear, to instead move toward it. In this act the fear will disappear and you will be forever changed. Thank you for this beautiful story and declaration. As a gay man, I am deeply appreciative of our straight allies who stand beside us in our fight to be treated with respect and dignity. xx/oo
Oh Chad. You are full of loathing which makes you unattractive and pathetic. I care not what you think of me. That you believe I do is your ego telling you that what you say and believe matters. It doesn’t. Your words and actions say all that anyone needs to know about you. Not a pretty picture.
Obviously an ignorant and hateful comment. I’m glad I didn’t see it, I can tell from these replies it would have enraged me. Thank you for removing it!
Thank you! We queer folks need many more allies like you. Did Jesus tell us there were two commandments: to love G-d, and to love your neighbor as yourself. It seems to this old dyke that all the "Christians" who harm us must truly loathe themselves.
I have a hard time with the notion that there is a need for deviant behavior to be celebrated. You don't see people parading in celebration of mental clarity.
I have a hard time with the notion that ignorance like yours is actually worth expressing. After all, deviant behavior to any open-minded, loving, and tolerant human being is fear and hatred like that you’re expressing right now.
I didn't insult you. What gives you the right to resort to insults when you are faced with an opinion that doesn't conform with yours? Nobody cares whether the mentally challenged partake in foolish behavior. Just don't ask me to celebrate it.
An ‘opinion’ is whether or not someone likes Led Zeppelin or whether they believe pineapple belongs on pizza. Hatred and ignorance and calling my children deviants IS an insult. I didn’t insult you. I stated a fact, you are ignorant and afraid of what you don’t understand. Your hate is NOT an opinion…it’s just PLAIN HATE.
I do understand that toxins in your environment contributed to the damage sustained by your children. It probably doesn't make sense to color your hair blue either.
This is the most beautiful and heart rending and authentic piece of writing I have read in so long! Thank you for this. I feel every single word of this down to the very essence of my being. You're amazing. Keep writing please.
Love you sooo much, MK! And thank you for being such a strong ally for the LG BTQ+ community. I really didn’t live my authentic life until age 40. And when I went to my first Pride parade, it was wonderful! I felt like I was with “my people” for the first time! But after Pride was over, I’d return to my low key kind of life, don’t display affection in public and definitely don’t come out at work. But every June, there were activities where I could be me with my girlfriend, who’s now my wife, but we had to careful of news cameras so we didn’t end up on the news because my wife wasn’t out to her family. And now as I approach my 70th year of life on this earth, I appreciate Pride more and more. As a child of the 50’s, it was so hard coming to terms with who I am. But with each passing year, I’ve become more and more comfortable with who I am because I’m finding many allies attending and showing support. We are all humans, and deserve happiness. I wish there were gazillions more like you, MK! ❤️🏳️🌈🌈
MK you truly are a Christian.I’m a straight ally of the gay community like you.I will pray this never happens again anywhere to anyone.We should never forget this happened to innocent people.
Thank you for sharing this. I am a Christian and a transman. I wasn't raised in the church. I became a Christian through my own personal experiences. I have experienced a lot of hatred from people who claim to love God. I have been told I wasn't welcome in churches, told I'm going to hell, and even some churches will "allow me" to come to church, but not become a member. I have also been a part of an affirming church where we had gay, lesbian, and trans pastors. That church was firebombed by some other church in the neighborhood, believing they were doing God's work. But, by God's grace, no one was hurt and the fire burned the wall, but the cross on the wall was untouched by the flames. There's are still black marks on the wall. I went through 3 years of seminary classes and and a 6 hour oral exam before becoming an ordained minister only to be rejected by every church I've been to since. The Bible doesn't teach hatred, but a lot of churches do. Thank you for helping bridge the gap. I pray that all people can experience God's love and peace. Most people quote John 3:16, but they leave out verse 17 which says, "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him." He is a God of love, not hate.
“ The Bible doesn't teach hatred, but a lot of churches do.”. So true! God bless you, Cammi! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🇨🇮 🏳️⚧️ 🏳️🌈
Best post I've ever read. As a FL citizen all our politics in this state make me angry. Take your hate and shove it.
As a member of the community, and a Floridian, I couldn't agree more.
Oh, MK, I loved this post.
I grew up in Chicago in the 1950s-60s, in an Irish Catholic neighborhood on the city's Southside. I attended Catholic schools for 12yrs & believe me, we were taught to look down on all Protestants as "fake Christians". It wasn't until college that I met my 1st black people, Jewish people, homosexuals. I'm sure there were classmates in those earlier years, possibly transgender kids as well, but such things were never spoken about in our sheltered lives.
I majored in Theatre &, suddenly, I was surrounded by gays. By the time I graduated, I had scores of wonderful gay friends. They were kind, talented, hardworking, normal people. I was so lucky to know them.
After college, I joined the Travel industry, which also attracts many gay people. Made many dear friends, some of whom I'm still in touch with now at age 74.
My Mom, then in her 80s, came to know many of my gay friends (attending parties with me). I was so proud of her - a mildly conservative, very Catholic woman - that she was able to accept them just as the normal, lovely human beings they were. If my Mom could do that, there's hope for all of us.
Call it what you want MK, hateful, bigotry, etc..
But you are not a Christian! And homosexuality IS a sin! It is detestable to God, and all who practice homosexuality and die in their sins will be condemned to a very real place called hell for eternity. Homosexuality is a choice! Science has proven through multiple massive studies that there is no gay gene! God has made it clear in his word that there are only 2 genders.. Male and Female. And he has defined what marriage is..
-one man and one woman- entered into a covenant before God for life. This is God's universe, and because it is God's universe, and God has made the rules for man to live by, and since man does not have a universe, man does not have the right or the authority to dictate the definition of love or marriage defined by God. Lastly, there is freedom in Christ for all who will humble themselves before God, turn from their sins and trust in Christ alone.
1 Corinthians 6:11 John 8:36
Of course every human deserves to be treated with dignity— but Angela didn’t say otherwise.
Is it “unchristian” to simple state what the Bible says?
Nothing Angela said was mean or offensive. She simply laid out the case for the fact that the Bible calls homosexuality a sin, and the idea that God gets to make the rules around sexuality and marriage. That’s it.
And suddenly it’s “unchristian” to state the truth?
I’m for the truth especially when it comes to Biblical truth which is what I guide my life by daily. Yet, coming on posts like these to simply think we are going to “convert them to Christianity and immediately turn from their ways” is not the way. Everything Jesus ever did was to see the person and then speak the Truth. Remember the verse well in 1 Corinthians which reminds us that “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal (NIV). Unfortunately, Angela’s post was deliberately put here in this space but it not showing love in the way Jesus would love.
Well, I don’t think she or anyone else thinks that just quoting a verse or stating the truth here is going to save people— God does that. But it may be a seed. There are also lots of false ideas about the Bible actually does say about the sin of homosexuality, so I think it’s good for people to at least be aware of the truth— what the Bible actually says verses what some people claims it says. Of course, this is not enough or its own.
But you are assuming that she isn’t doing more. You assume that her post was a gospel pamphlet left on the street but you don’t know if she engages with nonbelievers more than that in here daily life.
Let’s not be ashamed of stating the truth, and not courage each other to show gospel love AND to speak it. (And not assume that just because a person speaks the gospel that they are not also living it. Many do, but you can’t now that from just a screen interaction with a person.)
Totally agree! We wouldn’t know so there is grace all around for us all when we share the Truth even if we’re just planting the seed. Glad she stood up! God calls us all to different places and circumstances to share who He is for all of humanity who needs to hear it. It does hurt my heart about when the Bible is dissected into pieces that complete agendas and on the other hand when God is used to weaponize hate. Thanks for engaging with me friend and helping me to think more and be bolder!
They don’t “love like Jesus“.
They hate like Pharisees.
'Pride is the spirit of millions of people who have chosen to dance in the crosshairs.'
An amazing line that resonates for me. I was approaching my 49th birthday and saw the word demigirl. This was the egg cracking moment. I sat with this for a few weeks, and choose to let the egg become fully scrambled on the day of my birthday, which coincided with a protest in my province regarding trans rights in schools. Standing in solidarity with the students and teachers who are celebrating their freedom, their authenticity is something long overdue. And living authentically in the face of oppression has given me the happiest time of my life.
Thank you for your words.
This is a powerful piece of work - leaving me in tears. You did justice for your friends who continue “to dance in the crosshairs”. I’m sorry that you had to experience that. Keep faith that human beings will prevail over religious or political extremism and hate crimes.
Hi MK,
A friend shared this post on Facebook and I had to join substack so i could follow the you. Thank you for such a clear, powerful, and loving article. I wept as I read it. We are about to sing our first-ever Evensong for Pride at Vancouver’s Christ Church Cathedral this Sunday (4pm if anyone is in the area.) It seems very kismet that I read your post just as I’m contemplating whether to post about the service in a forum that I know hasn’t been friendly to such posts in the past. Thank you.
I just found you because someone shared your post on Facebook, and it ended up in my feed. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your words. I came out and joined the LGBTQ+ at age 46 after living a life of heteronormative privilege, being in a mixed-gender marriage, and raising four amazing kids. I lost so many "friends" during that time, and it was devastating. So many were "Christians." Your words moved me today, and I simply wanted to say thanks. XO
Thank you for sharing your story! I was married for 16 years, together for almost 18, and came out during our divorce 2 years ago at age 48. It still seems surreal that I even came out. But it was the most freeing thing I've ever done. I'm proud to be who I am for the first time in my life. But I've personally seen the hate that can come from so called Christians. My brother is one of them. It's disgusting. Reading MK's article really hit home for me. I don't love that we were closeted for so long (thanks church), but I find it comforting seeing and meeting other people who came out later in life. Thank you again for sharing! 💙
Thanks for sharing your story, too, Eric! I'm sorry your brother is still stuck in his religious judgment. My sister was the same way. We were working on mending our relationship when she died unexpectedly a year ago. It's so sad to me that religion kept us distant. Here's to living and loving with all our hearts! XO
Thank you for being you MK! And thank you for being our voice when so many of us are struggling to find the words to even express how hurtful the world feels right now. Much love to you 💙
Thank you so much for your continued support, MK! Love you, friend!
If only those that fear anyone different from themselves would follow Pema Chodron's advice that instead of running away from fear, to instead move toward it. In this act the fear will disappear and you will be forever changed. Thank you for this beautiful story and declaration. As a gay man, I am deeply appreciative of our straight allies who stand beside us in our fight to be treated with respect and dignity. xx/oo
Oh Chad. You are full of loathing which makes you unattractive and pathetic. I care not what you think of me. That you believe I do is your ego telling you that what you say and believe matters. It doesn’t. Your words and actions say all that anyone needs to know about you. Not a pretty picture.
I am one and the same. You are not the brightest bulb for being such an ardent homophobe.
Obviously an ignorant and hateful comment. I’m glad I didn’t see it, I can tell from these replies it would have enraged me. Thank you for removing it!
Thank you! We queer folks need many more allies like you. Did Jesus tell us there were two commandments: to love G-d, and to love your neighbor as yourself. It seems to this old dyke that all the "Christians" who harm us must truly loathe themselves.
I have a hard time with the notion that there is a need for deviant behavior to be celebrated. You don't see people parading in celebration of mental clarity.
I have a hard time with the notion that ignorance like yours is actually worth expressing. After all, deviant behavior to any open-minded, loving, and tolerant human being is fear and hatred like that you’re expressing right now.
I didn't insult you. What gives you the right to resort to insults when you are faced with an opinion that doesn't conform with yours? Nobody cares whether the mentally challenged partake in foolish behavior. Just don't ask me to celebrate it.
An ‘opinion’ is whether or not someone likes Led Zeppelin or whether they believe pineapple belongs on pizza. Hatred and ignorance and calling my children deviants IS an insult. I didn’t insult you. I stated a fact, you are ignorant and afraid of what you don’t understand. Your hate is NOT an opinion…it’s just PLAIN HATE.
I do understand that toxins in your environment contributed to the damage sustained by your children. It probably doesn't make sense to color your hair blue either.
This is the most beautiful and heart rending and authentic piece of writing I have read in so long! Thank you for this. I feel every single word of this down to the very essence of my being. You're amazing. Keep writing please.