Hello all

[kmeyers]

Hello!

I'm Kat and I'm a senior college student in Connecticut. I actually learned about Soulforce two years ago when one of the riders gave a talk in one of my GWS classes. She was very inspiring to say the least. I re-learned about Soulforce because of my senior thesis actually. I'm working on understanding LGBTQ leadership in religious organisations and I'm devouring everything I can find about Gene Robinson. I just (as in 10 minutes ago) finished watching For the Bible Tells Me So - which is fabulous and inspiring if you get the chance.

I've been involved in the LGBTQ community for a few years now - doin the best I can to change the world I guess. I'm hoping to go to grad school so that I can research LGBTQ spirituality within organised religions - if that doesn't pan out right now, I guess I'll just have to be a roadie for a few years. I don't really know what else to tell you all, but I'm interested in being more involved on a broader scale than just my college. I figured this would be a good place to start.

Thanks for listenin to me and I hope everyone is having a wonderful and love-filled day!

kat

[labguy22]

Greetings Kat,
You have found a wonderful group of people here. WELCOME!

[BruceChris]

I was bitten by much the same bug that you were a couple of years ago. As a Christian, and a person who identifies with women a great deal, I dived in headfirst when I first discovered Carter Heyward, and I read everything of hers that I could get my hands on.

From there I went on to Feminist Theology, where there are hundreds of authors, and thousands of books. From the deaths of at least a hundred thousand women as witches, to the way that women are left out of the history of the Christian religion, to male only church hierarchies and the stained glass ceiling, these women laid it out there.

I'm not sure how much you have explored this path, but I might start out with suggesting that you read Carter Heyward, Rosemary Radford Ruether and Elizabeth Schussler Fiorenza (Two heavy hitters), and Virginia Ramey Mollenkott, who addresses gay and trans issues especially.

And hey, the Episcopals have Katherine Jefferts Schori as their presiding Bishop, and the Christian attitude of American (And Canadian) Episcopalians are giving most of the rest of the 97% of world Anglicans fits because of their "un-Christian" attitudes toward gays and lesbians.

Unlike most men of the cloth (Except for Bishop Spong, and of course Gene Robinson), most women authors and theologians address and accept homosexuality among their members freely.

I am sure that there are many women religious out there near you, from the lay level on up into theologians and professors. Check out the bibliographies of some of the authors above, and you will find many such women in institutional positions on the East coast.

Now I am probably telling you much of what you already know, but I often love to get my experiences and ideas out among our members.

Please get back to us, and tell us more about yourself.

Peace and Love, Bruce Chris

[Gennee]

Hi Kat and welcome to Soulforce. I am in grad school now (education and technology) but will pursue a second master's in gender studies. There will be something for you, Kat. God has something planned.

Gennee

[Jennifer5]

Welcome Kat!

It is always to nice to hear from people who have been inspired by the Equality Riders. I hope that we see more of you around the forums.

[Montanna]

Welcome and Happy New Year! Would love to hear more about your studies. We showed the film "For the Bible..." at the Presbyterian Church I attend as part of an educational outreach program. It was a success and several comments were made that people wished their church would show it. It definitely educates.

[dsdrane]

Originally Posted by kmeyers

I'm working on understanding LGBTQ leadership in religious organisations and I'm devouring everything I can find about Gene Robinson.

Very cool. I am increasingly convinced that there are tons of GLBT people out there who are waiting to come back to or come to for the first time...religion. Forever seemingly oxymoronic, gay and religious are no longer at odds. One can be both. Hooray!

This has been my own path, and I find it facinating. It doesn't seem possible, and yet I know that I am so not alone. Further, I know now that there are so many others out there, from other more conservative traditions, waiting to see how the chips fall.

It's such an unnecessary shame and one that insults God.

I'm glad your voice and passion will help make a difference.

Welcome!

[Here2Learn22]

Shalom Kat. Can't wait to here what you have to say.