The news is especially heartening when it occurs down here in the South, which is often characterized as being less progressive and inclusive.
Recently we've had two southern LGBT-positive news items that may not have gotten the lion's share of press but are certainly positive:

Rev. Bradley Schmeling and the Rev. Darin Easler have been approved for reinstatement to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Schmeling had previously served as pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Atlanta but was removed from the church’s clergy roster in 2007 for being in a same-gender relationship with Easler.
Last month the church revised ministry policy documents to make it possible for “eligible Lutherans in publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships” to serve as clergy.
Now that's some real good news!

The changes provided stronger protections from discrimination for LGBT folks in four areas: general provisions, employment discrimination, equal access to places of public accommodations, and fair housing.

America doesn't have an out and proud gay male athlete yet, but his time, whoever he is, is coming.
In the meantime, let's take pride in what we have. Baby steps forward are still steps.
No comments:
Post a Comment