Gay Life Volume 33, Number 23

I am a handbell ringer (you can laugh, I can take it). I ring with a small but devoted group made up of various ages and backgrounds, and when we come together we can make beautiful music. (We can also make a cacophony of awful, but that’s usually when we haven’t had enough practice.)

Due to stage fright, my least favorite part is performing, but perform we did during one recent Sunday service. I’ll admit my attention drifted at times while we sat waiting for our turn to perform. But I perked up immediately when I heard the deacon disparage same-sex marriage. Not being a parishioner, let alone a Christian, I didn’t feel I could speak up. And while I wanted to walk out, I knew I’d only let down my group (for a handbell choir cannot perform without every last ringer).

This Thanksgiving I can list many things for which I’m thankful; but what I’m most thankful for right now, is that there are so many welcoming religious organizations in our community. I’m thankful that the LGBT community doesn’t have to choose between a intolerant church and a secular life. With Chanukah and Christmas right around the corner, I’m thankful that there are so many places that LGBT individuals can turn to worship.

Maggie Beetz
Editor