Faith Works 6-8-19
Jeff Gill
Pride and pluralism on the local level
___
Last June, I participated in the first Newark Pride Festival. Or at least, that's one way to put it.
Full disclosure: I'm probably going to put off friends and adversaries alike with my thoughts on this subject. Moderates of any stripe are not very well received these days, but this is my heart (my moderate heart) on this subject, and I offer these musings for what they're worth in Newark and Licking County, circa 2019.
I was there to help the Licking County Coalition for Housing (LCCH) put up and staff a booth to share information about housing and homelessness. I've been involved in this effort for over a quarter-century, and from the very beginning we've been very clear about the fact that our services and support are available without bias, however defined. We provide housing services to veterans and single mothers, families and individuals, and it's still a work in progress to make sure everyone is served, but since 1992 we've been doing that work out on the street as well as up in offices.
So an event aimed at the LGBT community is a logical place for us to be. Young people who come out are not infrequently kicked out of their homes; there is bias both overt and covert in rental arrangements, and as I've written here and elsewhere over the years, the large "in between" population of homelessness that's always looming in shelter discussions, emergency or transitional, is what's called "couch surfing." Staying with family or friends who don't have to keep you, and at any point can say "you need to leave." These can be mothers with children staying with a great-aunt, it can be a guy who's worn out his welcome with everyone but grandma, and grandma is getting to her last nerve ending. Couch surfing can turn into unsheltered, HUD-certified homelessness at any time.
And in fact, sitting at the LCCH booth last year, I talked to young people I knew from marching band and drama club and Scouting past involvements. They recognized me, and talked about their situation. We didn't talk about sex, they didn't bring it up, they were dealing with homelessness or impending homelessness, and it was at this event they were present where we were ready. Whether any of them were "openly" this or "practicing" that I didn't know, just that they were drawn to this "Pride Festival" and took an opportunity to learn about how to take care of themselves.
I also witnessed a group down on the public street end of the Canal Market District try to do what they called "witnessing" to the LGBT community. They were Christians, as am I, and they wanted to preach Christ, which I affirm, and they did so by condemning the event and the behaviors they believed this event promoted.
I'm not writing this to say they shouldn't have spoken their minds, but I am going to preach this: it sure didn't sound like it was working. If their goal was to tell a group of people that their personal choices are not in line with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the message of exclusion was clear, the opening for good news less so.
Myself, I'm skeptical about most of what our modern age says about sexuality. I don't think sex, of any sort, is going to save us or redeem anyone, and I actually don't mind going on record as saying I suspect the world might benefit from less sexual activity, not more of it. I believe keeping sexual intimacy within the secure boundaries of a marriage is a very, very good thing for everyone involved, especially the children that can and often will result.
I also know there is a lot of misuse of sexuality in the world, and in our community. I'm against that. I'm a little less clear on what groups or factions or movements to be for or against in order to reduce that, gay or straight, monogamous or uncommitted, religious or less so. What I do know is that people often use sex to replace the lack of connection and community they feel in their lives. And the best counter to this is to be present to and with people, especially people in need. To listen.
And I fully respect the concern that many have in asking when "pride" becomes "promotion" of lifestyles. In a pluralistic community, there are questions we have to ask and talk about out loud. So I plan to help set up a booth again this year, and there are events I'll be at, and others I won't be. Our county will continue to need places where everyone can be heard, and where anyone can listen.
Jeff Gill is a writer, storyteller, and pastor in Licking County; he believes everyone should have the right to access for safe and secure shelter, and is proud of how hard this county works to achieve that goal. Tell him what you think should be done at knapsack77@gmail.com, or follow @Knapsack on Twitter.
