In an effort to increase my sense of connection with my church community, I felt the desire to discuss my sexuality with a woman from church who visits with me at least monthly (yes, my visiting teacher). I don’t consider myself closeted, but within the church environment, conversation that has anything to do with my sexuality just doesn’t happen and I don’t feel the need to make any general announcements regarding the subject. So I called up LS and asked if I could talk with her a bit after church (a few weeks ago). She agreed. Now I’ve been friends with her and she’s been visiting with me for over a year, so I had a pretty good idea that she would not be rude or dismissive but I still didn’t know quite how she would take the news. She is, after all, in her early 70’s – part of a generation with a hugely different world view.
In short, LS was perfectly supportive. Turns out she’s done extensive reading on the subject, is familiar with views of Carol Lynn Pearson, has a gay sister who has had a number of different partners through the years, and has a few “dear friends” who are in long-term, committed, gay relationships. And, just the night before my conversation with LS, she had been talking with her daughter about how difficult it must be for someone to be a member of the LDS church and be gay.
Being the religious person that I am, I can’t help but believe that God set this up for me quite nicely. And I can’t help but wonder how it is that I’ve been so fortunate in the reactions I’ve faced when discussing my sexuality with others for the first time. I’ve heard so many experiences of just awful responses and many more of simply disappointing reactions, but thus far I’ve been spared such circumstances. I’m sure my time is yet to come, but for now I will enjoy the judgment-free, loving support I receive from family and friends both within and without the church.
1 other thought(s):
There are few things that bring more hope than supportive, understanding friends. I'm glad you had this experience.
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