Monday, June 10, 2019

Yes and No – Reflections on Love, Community, and Consent

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riot, which has become an enduring symbol of the persistent and insistent existence of folks with diverse sexual and gender identities. But the anniversary also reminds us of the profound need for continued progress, especially with regard to the most marginalized of us within the queer community. Beginning with this context, I then offer some reflections on relationships, especially regarding consent, that have enriched my life and made me a better person. These reflections were offered during a Pride event at Community Christian Church on June 9, 2019.  


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CW: gender and sexuality antagonisms and violence, especially transantagonsim 

I’d like to take a few minutes this morning, before getting to the topic at hand, to remember and honor the fiftieth anniversary of the Stonewall Riot. A lot has changed, or begun to change, over these years. Queer folks are not generally considered to be mentally ill anymore.(https://www.hrc.org/blog/flashbackfriday-today-in-1973-the-apa-removed-homosexuality-from-list-of-me and  https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/05/27/new-health-guidelines-propel-transgender-rights ) More people are acknowledging and embracing their sexuality and gender identity, both privately and publicly. (https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/record-4-5-percent-u-s-adults-identify-lgbt-gallup-n877486 ) There’s been progress in the general public’s understanding and acceptance of at least some of our identities and in at least some countries, (https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/global-lgbtq-acceptance-more-polarized-new-research-finds-n871106 ) and some progress in gaining basic rights and legal protections.(https://time.com/5554531/equality-act-lgbt-rights-trump/  ) I say ‘some,’ not because I’m ungrateful, but because I want to be honest.