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Is It Possible to Be Gay and Love God? |
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Written by Michael Diaz
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 In this inaugural installment of his column Liberating Truth!, Michael Diaz asserts that it’s possible to love God and be gay. Diaz proclaims that religion is still an option for LGBT individuals.
I love gauging a guy’s reaction when he asks me, “So what do you do for work?” A couple drinks at the local gay bar, and he asks a question he doesn’t want an answer to, or at least an answer he doesn’t care to hear.
Of course I have no problem telling people I work for a church, but I do get tired of the same response of disbelief and even disdain from people who seem to think the words “gay” and “Christian” should never go together.
“What do you mean you work for a church?” “Stop lying!”
“How can you be in a gay bar and work for a church?” (Because gay Christian men like other men too…duh!). And then when he realizes it’s true, that I actually do work for a church, he gives me a smirk and walks away like I’m a Log Cabin Republican who has photos of Anita Bryant in my wallet.
But honestly, I can understand why the queer community has been disinterested in religion, especially when religious people say gays and lesbians are going to hell. Who wants to hear that?
I remember when I caught the Jesus bug ten years ago. I thought Jesus was the best thing since sliced bread. I heard and believed Christians and preachers when they spoke about the gospel or good news of Jesus Christ, that humanity needs a savior, that humans are insufficient beings (ugh…I could vomit now just describing this), that we are essentially sinful and evil people. How’s that for a positive message!
So much for good news! It’s no wonder religion leaves a bad taste in queer people’s mouths.
The truth is religion cannot better queer people’s lives by tearing us down and telling us we’re somehow deficient. Religion should not instill in people’s minds a message that reinforces misguided condemnation of our lives. Queer people are done listening to religion and so-called good news that teaches us to be ashamed of who we are, and rightly so.
I’ve recognized what an evil thing religion can be, but I’ve also realized that I don’t have to put up with evil religion any longer.
That’s why in my life, I’ve changed my view of God and religion. My life is committed to spreading REAL good news that the Divine loves us for who we are, not in spite of who we are. I’ve embraced a message that says all people, especially queer people, are essentially good. I believe in spreading a message that builds people up and reinforces a positive self-image.
I truly believe religion is still an option for queer people as long as we remove the evil from it and make it REAL good news.
 Michael Diaz is the Clergy Intern at the Sunshine Cathedral MCC, a progressive, inclusive church open to all people, regardless of theological background, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, age, or ability. To communicate directly with Diaz please email him at bendigachicano@yahoo.com
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