Pulse Orlando: Reflection from a Local Pastor

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As I have reflected on the tragedy in Orlando, I cannot help but think about how much work there is still left in order to bring about equality. One year ago, we celebrated a major victory in marriage equality. I have celebrated as a former Marine in seeing DADT repealed to allow gays and lesbians to serve in our armed forces. These are reminders of how the walls of injustice are being brought down. Hearing of the murders in Orlando are the events that some would hope would silence the LGBTQIA community and to put a cease to our celebrations.

As the new senior pastor of Metropolitan Community Church of Las Vegas, I have had many ask me how do we move forward given such tragedy. First, we remember. We remember these individuals that died while living their full authentic lives. We pray for their families and the community in which they lived. Secondly, we honor them by continuing to live authentically as who we were created to be. We stand up, and we speak out against hatred.

When speaking out, I am not suggesting for us to retaliate with the same vile that has often been shown towards our own community. I have yet to see how screaming vile and hatred at one another has made any changes. This is not always an easy stance when it is easy to scream back. We show up and speak to our local lawmakers to take a stand for equality for all people. We educate those around us about our lives. 

We can begin by sharing our stories and journeys with those around us. We create a space for dialogue in order to learn about one another even in spite of differences. We honor one another as people who are uniquely made and no one person is alike. We refuse to allow a space for hate, but set a boundary that allows for conversation around diversity to which each individual is treated with respect. 

I have read many comments on social media about the Orlando shootings and it is upsetting to see the hate spewed. I see this as fear. It is fear for a community that some people do not know. It is fear from believing what someone has taught them to believe about a particular group of people. It has been my experience that social media has made it very easy for society to gather an opinion merely on what is read on various social media outlets and call it truth. What might it be like if we begin doing our own research and experiencing each other’s truth rather than just accepting what leaders tell us is “true?”

While I do not claim to have all the answers or any answers, what I do know is that no one will listen if hate continues to be spewed. I have experienced many settings where I was not in agreement with those around me or vise versa. I do know we left the table with respect with one another, and a better understanding of how to work together. My proudest moment was when a religious sister said to me, “By working with you and dialoging with you, I now how to rethink some of the things I have been taught. My experience is not matching what I have been taught.” 

I hope many people in our community can have mind changing experiences like the one I described. They are not instant and they take time. Together we can bring one another together as human beings.