💕🏳️🌈🙏 · 7:43am Apr 25th, 2021
Today is the final Sunday of April, which means it marks one year of me being a part of the Open Table Metropolitan Community Church.
A few weeks ago of April 2020, I researched if there are any LGBTQIA+ affirming Churches in the Philippines, until I came across a 22-minute video called "Queer, Christian, Fabulous!". The members' responses to particular questions really moved me. It felt like a glimmer of hope, knowing there's a safe space for people like me.
On that particular Sunday, I attended their Community Connect on Zoom at around 4:20pm and I initially felt nervous as other people were talking about their life experiences until the Pastor read my full name. That was when I introduced myself to the members, sharing my story to them, as well as how I found out about MCC. They welcomed me with open arms and a huge weight was somehow lifted off of my chest.
I quit the self-righteous mainstream Church that I previously attended as I felt invalidated and disconnected because of its outdated and biased messages, especially when it comes to mental health. I began attending MCC every Sunday to listen to the preaching and I appreciate the messages for not being condescending and/or patronizing. Answering some questions has helped me to open up about my feelings. I have made good friends along the way and safe to say, I consider them as my chosen family.
As Rina Sawayama sang,
"We don't need to be related to relate
We don't need to share genes or a surname
You are, you are
My chosen, chosen family
So what if we don't look the same?
We been going through the same thing
Yeah, you are, you are
My chosen, chosen family"
I'm very grateful to be a part of a welcoming, accepting, and progressive Church and I look forward to the day when I can meet all of my LGBTQIA+ friends in person, even if it takes a lot of years to wait until the COVID-19 pandemic is finally over. Happy 1st anniversary to yours truly!
congrats to you my friend, im glad you have found a place to be you