For many years now members of the LGBTQ+ community have faced fear, intimidation, discrimination and hate. They have been looked down on because of their sexual preferences and who they love. From the stonewall riots to the AIDs panic of the 80s to the Marraige Equality fight of the 2000s and 2010s. They have been kick out of their homes, assaulted and murdered, and made victim of many politicians smear campaigns. In the last few months have seen these attacks, verbally and physically rise. This is increasingly so for transgender and non-binary people.
As I have watched from a place of straight, cisgendered (and white male) privilege, and as someone who feels called to love everyone, especially those who are vulnerable, it has been hard for me to stand by. I, like many of you, vacillate between sadness and anger. (And I know that it is nothing that folks who are at the receiving end of such hate and lies feel.) But what can I or people in my situation do to help folks? There seems to be tremendous barriers in place to effecting large systemic changes. So we can look for small ways to help.
I have been privileged to have been called by this congregation to be its Director of Lifespan Religious Education. And this congregation has placed itself in this building and through a long and difficult process added to it. This space that we occupy has some amazing benefits. It’s location allows for us to keep protestors at a distance. The new building is large and welcoming. The bathrooms create a safe space for all people to use the facilities (more on this in a bit). And it is filled with loving, welcoming, justice minded people.
So what can I do in these times? What can you do?
We can create a space that is safe for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Just as you did over 50 years ago, when you invited the Gay Activist Alliance in Morris County (GAAMC) into your building (among some protest of individual members). So let us open up this home of ours as a safe space.
While every event we hold here at the Fellowship is a safe space, there are several events coming up specifically for members of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies.
First there is all that GAAMC is doing both inside and outside our walls.
- March 3, 6 pm: Adult Mad Libs
- March 10, 6 pm: The Joys of March
- March 17, 6 pm: St. Patrick’s Day
- March 24, 6pm: The Florham Park Diner
- March 31, 6pm: The Joys of Spring
The Folk Project, who has been organizing folk music concerts at the Fellowship for years, is hosting drag performer Flamy Grant on June 27th.
We will again be hosting Drag Bingo on Friday, April 4th and June 13th. These events are super fun and our wonderful drag performer, Very Gerry keeps it flowing with audience participation, live vocals, and corny jokes. This time, they will be bringing some friends!
We are also hosting a Queer Mixer & Movie Club on March 28th, April 25, and May 16. It is an evening of CULT, CAMP & COLORFUL MOVIES and a fabulous Queer Mixer with good vibes, board games, cool music, snacks and coffee!
Because we are creating a safe and HOSPITABLE space, if anyone would like to donate some baked goods or other treats, please reach out to me at nwallwork@muuf.org.
We are also currently in discussions with NJ Queer and Trans Makers Market and Garden State Equality to host a Market here on April 27th. In our discussions they have specifically cited our all gender bathrooms as a reason they would like to be here. Save the date. More information to come.
Lastly (for now) we will be kicking of Pride Month with an all ages drag event on May 31st featuring Very Gerry and several of their friends. As many of you remember, we will need a lot of help for this event. If you are interested in being on a planning team, let me know.
There is certainly a lot going on. It is my hope that we can continue to be a safe space for all people, but in these times, especially queer people.
WHO’S WITH ME!