Safe Spaces for Everyone

Sis,

A few years ago, it was brought to my attention that a lot of my friends are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community. It was an observation spoken, not in a malicious way, but it was noticed. I suppose as a Christian and someone who identifies as heterosexual, it may be something that others didn't quite understand. I kind of laughed at the observation at the time, but when I thought more in depth about it, I realized what they stated was a fact. Many of my friends do identify as a part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

The reality for me is that I love people. I love all people. I grew up in a home where I never really felt comfortable to be my authentic self so I masked a lot of my quirks and intricacies to make it easier for others to understand me (i.e. people pleasing). While I realize sexuality is not a quirk, I do believe it's a part of who you are and I've always felt I wanted to accept people for who and where they are. I never wanted to make any one feel judged or unable to be their complete, full selves around me.

I want everyone I encounter to feel like they have a safe space with me. Safe spaces are so needed in this day and sadly, so many of us do not have them. I want to be able to provide that for many. Growing up in the South in the traditional Baptist church, the approach to the gay community at that time from what I'd seen was to shun and even sometimes embarrass gay attendees. I have heard stories more than a few times from friends about being called out by preachers in front of the congregation and made to feel like a spectacle.

I do not think this is what Christianity is. I feel that God loves everyone. We are to love people and not judge them. At the end of the day, what do you think will have the most impact? Love or ridicule? As Pride Month comes to a close, I want to share a few film recommendations that really helped me learn about the history of the LGBTQIA+ community and movement.

I first started diving into learning more about the community back during quarantine and I've learned so much in the last few years. I think to better understand others, you have to learn more about their history. I hope that these films, if you haven't seen them yet, will leave you more enlightened.

1. Paris is Burning (MAX, Amazon Prime)

2. The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson (Netflix)

3. The Inspection (On Demand)

4. POSE (Hulu)

This is one of my favorite shows and if you watch Paris is Burning, you will see how much the show is based on real stories and experiences.