The Queer Question

Justice and equality rang loudly in the state of California yesterday after Judge Walker announced that Proposition 8 was unconstitutional and thus overturned the legislation that defined marriage as being between only one man and one woman.

LGBTQs and their allies celebrated across the country, taking their joy to the streets to proclaim loudly that every person deserves the right to marry. It was a great day, not only to be a California, but definitely a great day to be queer. I definitely celebrated from my new home in Massachusetts, but as a Californian, I was more than excited and proud to be a part of the Golden State.

However the fight for marriage equality is not over. Not even in the state of California. Proponents of the marriage ban already filed an appeal and they will continue to work towards stripping same-sex couples of their right to marry one another. The fact that every Californian now has the right to marry is not good enough for Prop. 8 supporters. Therefore, they have to do whatever they can to ensure that every Californian is not treated equally.

I was taken back when I came to the realization that I stand there and celebrate Judge Walker's decision, but that decision isn't good enough. My right to be treated equally under the law is still threatened. By the mere fact that we are queer, our citizenship is called into question; thus raising "The Queer Question."

Becoming Social Parents

I just returned from visiting my parents and family one last time before I move to Boston at the end of the month. It was an enjoyable visit and we were intentional at making every moment we had together count for something since I'll be moving clear across the United States from them.

Prior to my arrival in Merced, my mother adamantly insisted that we watch the film La Mission during my visit. The film is a drama starring Benjamin Bratt that sheds light on issues of homophobia and sexuality within Chicano families.

As I sat there watching Bratt's character blatantly disown and condemn his son for being gay, I was drawn to my own father's face as he was watching the movie with me. The look of shock, anger, and disappointment covered his face. My partner sat in tears throughout the movie then looked up to my parents and simply said, "Thank you." My coming out experience with my family didn't involve much heartbreak or disowning. My parents were quick to accept me and remind me that they would love me whether I be straight, gay, bi, etc. I am reminded though that not every LGBTQ individual shares the same experience. Films like La Mission become a powerful tool for the LGBTQ community.

Why is religion important?

My friend Brian Gerald wrote a blog post that responded to the ever popular question, "What do you do?," in which he responds with a better question: "What are you doing with your life?" These questions got me to thinking about how often I am asked these very questions when I meet new people, or even when I'm catching up with old friends. When I respond that I work with religious communities and that my research in school is focused on religion, I'm often met with puzzling looks. I am then asked another question: "Why religion?"

Through different cases I end up encountering this question a lot in many different variations such as, Why do people care so much about religion?, Why are people religious?, Why do you talk about religion?, and so on. I am determined then to answer the pressing question, Why is religion important?

Sanctuary Collective 2010 Northeast Regional Conference

UPDATE: Due to various reasons, the Leadership Team of Sanctuary Collective has elected to postpone the 2010 Northeast Regional Conference. For more information please visit the conference page.

Last week I highlighted the Sanctuary Collective in a blog post, and mentioned that they would be hosting a regional conference this summer. The Sanctuary Collective will be hosting a Northeast regional conference in New York City on July 24, 2010.

The Northeast Regional Conference is a gathering of folks who are intrigued by queer organizing in Christian communities. And that means ALL people: LGBTQs and allies. To put it in the Collective's words:

"Whether you are doing organizing yourself, or just want to learn more, we'll have a day full of workshops tailored for you! Come participate in discussions about the ex-gay movement, justice and the Bible, finding YOUR place in this unique and growing movement, and much much more."

I will presenting one (or two) of the workshops at the conference, focusing on the ex-gay movement and race and religion. For more information about registration, workshops, etc., please visit the conference webpage.

Childhood Fairness and the Church

Remember as a child how we were usually fully aware of when something was completely unfair? Whether it be a sibling getting a toy and you didn't, or even a classmate being recognized for an outstanding achievement, but you weren't. In our heads we would tell ourselves, "That's not fair!" This concept childhood fairness is worth a closer examination.

I recently got around to watching the film The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2008). This film is a Holocaust drama that explores the horror of a concentration (extermination) camp through the eyes of two eight year-old boys, one the son of the camp's Nazi commandant (Bruno), the other a Jewish inmate (Shmuel). Through Bruno's character, the concept of childhood fairness can be closely examined and understood. And by this reading of fairness, I believe we can apply the same reading to the Church.