Recovering christian

[ricocamacho]

Hello, My name is Rico Camacho; I live in San Francisco East Bay. Married to great man for 6 years.

I was delighted to read a pamphlet "What the Bible says and Doesn't say about Homosexuality" This 26 page masterpiece was read and re-read by both myself and my husband. He comes from a rural town in Central Mexico which I have visited many times. The repression in this town is so obvious..
My husband was raised a Roman Catholic and lived in this town until he turned 16 and moved to the USA.

I was raised in a "christian" home - moving up and down the East Coast 8 times from Florida to Canadian border of Maine, I saw and witnessed many types of Religious Vealoutry at the hand of my mother who insisted that we be schooled in the teachings of "the church" not the Bible as I understand it today. The churches that I was forced to attend with my brothers and sister ranged from southern baptist to roman catholic. My grandparents were roman catholic and my mom was the confused follower who has many issues of her own with the catholic church.

I found myself in a heated discussion 7 years ago with my sister about the issue of homosexuality and my own experience of being gay. I only recently spoke with her after these many years of silence and ignoring her pleas to talk. I could not until I finally realized that my silence actually added to the feelings of discontent for her toward my community and that only by embracing her can she see that my husband and I are just normal people seeking to build a life togther and that we deeply care for each other.

I entered the conversation stating that we can be family by blood, but Javier is my life and that he will NOT be excluded or in any way bashed by my sister. We agreed to disagree and although I was tempted by mention how her decision to vote for the Right side of the ticket ended with devistating consequences for herself and her military aged daughters. She was able to recognize that error of judgement but continues to claim a moral victory.... whatever.

My husband and I were married in San Francisco - and even though they failed to endorse our marriage at that time, we continued till today as spokesmen for the marriage issue that so closely affects our lives. Telemundo, Galavision, other Spanish interviews, local news on ABC 7, Blogs, letter writing campaigns and standing tall when challenged about our "choice" to be gay.

Thank you Dr Mel White, you have given us new ammunition and soul-thought reality and truth in understanding of what G-d truly intended for us as gays and lesbians trying to make a difference.

[Gennee]

Welcome to the site, Rico. I loved reading your story and thank you for sharing. Congratulations to you and your husband.

Gennee

[labguy22]

Hey Rico,
I'm Nick. My husband and I live in Walnut Creek and just got married in San Francisco on sumer Solstice.
Glad you found SoulForce, it's a wonderful place to feel and share. Along with "What the Bible says and Doesn't say about Homosexuality", another wonderful resource is the DVD "God and Gays Bridging the Gap". I first saw it on KQED, then had to order the DVD.

[BishopIoan]

Hi and welcome, Rico. It seems family often ends up making things far more difficult and complicated than they should be. Thank you for all your work for equality. This is a great group and I think you will like your stay here.

[Pablo Rafael]

Welcome Rico,

Glad to have you here on the forums. I wish you and Javier many happy years together. Thanks for sharing with us. It is difficult when families are less than accepting. I always try to remember that people are usually not hostile as much as unable to see things from a new perspective.

I lived in California for a long time, but always stayed down south. Unfortunately never got as far north as the bay area. I will have to make a trip there someday.

I look forward to getting to know you better.

Tu Amigo, Pablo

[tymejumper]

welcome and you keep hanging in there. My brother is also a bit reticent about me being a lesbian, to the point we really are not talking much either. I will not allow him to put my wife second like she does not exist. We can't wait to get to know you!

[Vanessa White]

Welcome to SF Rico.

Congratulations to you and to Javier on your marriage; tell me, is it now considered legal since marriage is now legal there? Or am I just confused?? (entirely possible......).

Another great resource that I have started to show to persons in my church congregation, is the DVD "For the Bible Tells Me So", it is fantastic, very moving and a great way to get some discussion going.

Have fun with us!!