Room for All

STORY BY LAURA FIERCE ILLUSTRATIONS BY GILLIAN KUHN DESIGN BY GILLIAN KUHN

“I didn’t come out to them, they outed me and they did not support me.” This is a common theme found among the life experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals growing up in Christian communities. Levi is one of those people.

Levi’s father is a pastor and this experience was a shameful and a degrading moment as his father outed him. (Outed: to be forced out of the “closet” on your sexual orientation without having the opportunity to tell others about it on your own terms/time). “I was in high school, my senior year, when my dad found out, he called all his siblings and told them all and talked about his disappointment in me. They then had a family meeting where they went around reading bible verses condemning homosexuality,

Sodom and Gomorrah stuff. Afterwards, I was cut off from the outside world. They took my phone and technology and blocked everything on it, no calls, no messages, no social media, they threatened to call the police on the people I was talking to,” Levi said.

Levi felt trapped. There was already a shame surrounding him, imprisoned by his own family because of his orientation. As the son of a pastor, Levi grew up moving and changing schools frequently. Even when he was younger he knew his identity was something he would have to keep secret. “Before I was in boarding academy and I knew I had to bury that, there would be consequences if I was out. I didn’t want my identity to ruin my education. I still feel that way. If the church finds out I could be cut off and lose my subsidy [which I need] to go to school.”

The church has a history of condemning homosexuality. Bible passages of Sodom and Gomorrah and Leviticus 18:22 are often used to enforce this. Over the past few years, this has changed. Many denominations and churches are accepting members of the LGBTQIA+ community into their congregations and leadership roles.

With this change in the Christian church’s acceptance and the combining of these two communities, this topic of debate is discussed in Christian literature including the following: Calling the Rainbow Nation Home; Justified Through Christ; The Bible, Christianity and homosexuality; A Letter to Louise. These books cover the definition of sin and question the meaning of salvation. From Calling the Rainbow Nation Home, author E. T. Sundby says, “It’s clear that no one particular group of people has ever been excluded from salvation. Nor is any sin so great that it cannot be cleansed by the power of the blood of Jesus. Salvation has nothing to do with one’s sexual orientation, and everything to do with our acceptance or rejection of Jesus Christ” (Sundby). This new perspective gives the church the opportunity to grow and minister to more people like never before. Experiences like Levi’s is what Christianity is trying to prevent. In order to break the cycles of shame and condemnation, we need time, a safe space for tough conversations, and educational awareness.

Small conservative Christian colleges and universities find themselves taking on the task of educating their students regarding issues surrounding gender, sexual identity, and sexuality. Calvin College is considered a pioneer in the context of this type of support. SAGA (Sex and Gender Awareness) is a peer education group started by alumni parents in 2014 to help educate and spread awareness for LGBTQ+ students and create community for all students. Kelsey Colburn, coordinator for the sexuality series, is the staff advisor of SAGA. Colburn says, “We think it’s important to educate our student body to be aware of how diverse and unique the body of Christ really is.” As staff advisor, Colburn provides mentorship to students, acts as director of sexuality education which brings guest speakers to campus, and provides classroom training on sexual education and awareness. Within the context of sexual education and religion, she explains:

“Sexuality can feel like a very messy and uncomfortable subject for a lot of people— people from all religious backgrounds feel uncomfortable about it. But making a safe space for those uncomfortable subjects and having those tough conversations is important. It can be challenging at times to make sure that space is safe and that everyone feels heard, making everyone feel like they have a place at that table, too.”

For other universities and colleges who are looking to reach out to educate the student body Colburn offers encouragement. “First think about the work you’re doing. Prepare your students for the future relationships and conversations they are going to have. Convincing people for God’s diverse kingdom and be exposed to different world views. Not changing minds, but preparing them for what’s out there. Be prepared to never change someone’s mind. For a lot of people what you talk about can be core values to someone, and you can’t make someone change those, just give them a different perspective,” said Colburn.

It’s important to keep a balanced perspective in trying to achieve a safe space to even have these conversations. Since most college campuses are the place where ideas for the future and future generations are beginning to take place it’s important to remember your affiliation with the church, but be realistic about your duty to the student body. Colburn knows it’s tough for Christian colleges and universities to lead out, but it would be far worse to not do so. “Acknowledge that the church has their opinion, but we’re here to have a conversation with, and around Christ. If you keep Christ at the center and we are making the conversation between two people who are made in the image of God, it is easy to keep that conversation respectful and empathetic. Keep love at the center.” “When looking for speakers to educate the campus partners with campus ministry, try to keep an ear out in the community for authors, speakers on a wide variety of topics whether it be in married life, domestic abuse, spiritual abuse, healthy dating relationships, and gender studies. The goal is to prepare students for a successful life and career.” We need pioneers in our church to progress the education and treatment of those who are different than us. We need to make a place for diversity at the table of God’s kingdom.

Laura Fierce is a senior communication major focusing in public relations. She enjoys writing human interest stories and spends her spare time hiking, swimming, and spending time with friends. You can follow her latest adventures on Instagram at @Fierce_influence.