http://www.bmclgbt.org/blog brought to you by kaleidoscope - a program of BMC Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:30:38 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en One common stereotype for LGBT people is that they are artistic. So many famous dancers, actors, singers, painters, and writers were/are LGBT. As with other stereotypes, most of the time they are simplistic generalizations, but there is often some truth in them. Why might LGBT people be attracted to artistic ... http://www.bmclgbt.org/blog/2012/01/30/lgbt-people-and-the-arts/ Last month I attended my first BMC Gathering.  After corresponding by phone and e-mail, it was great to meet and speak face-to-face with members of the BMC LGBT community. Sharing and preserving our stories were important aspects of the event. Several people attending had their stories recorded for historical records ... http://www.bmclgbt.org/blog/2011/11/07/building-solidarity-through-telling-our-stories/ I remember being aware of the existence of Brethren Mennonite Council (BMC) early on in my process of coming out.  I probably discovered it on the internet through my own exploration on a search engine, or it was found and brought to my attention by an immediate ... http://www.bmclgbt.org/blog/2011/09/12/journey-to-the-bmc-community/ It has been a privilege to spend the last two years at BMC. I leave with the sense that the work I have done is part of a much larger whole. I am grateful for all of you who have been doing this for many years, who created space and ... http://www.bmclgbt.org/blog/2011/08/05/kirstens-parting-thoughts-but-not-final-thoughts/ I wanted to write a reflection about the recent Mennonite Church USA convention in Pittsburgh that highlighted the positive. Indeed, there were deep currents of strength, resilience, and hope, sprinkled with moments of joy, anger, laughter and sadness. I could tell you about the Pink Menno hymn sings where I ... http://www.bmclgbt.org/blog/2011/07/20/stepping-out-of-shame/ Recently I was talking to a family member about the process of encouraging his congregation to become publicly affirming. In frustration he said, “It’s so simple. Why can’t we make a statement that we welcome all people and don’t discriminate on the basis of whatever characteristic? Who could possibly disagree ... http://www.bmclgbt.org/blog/2011/03/01/its-so-simple/ If you haven't checked in with Pink Menno recently, here's your reminder! www.facebook.com/pinkmenno www.twitter.com/pinkmenno www.pinkmenno.org Let's all work together to bring a spirit of openness and inclusion to the MC USA convention this summer in Pittsburgh. Kirsten http://www.bmclgbt.org/blog/2010/11/18/pink-menno/ Recently a campaign called "It Gets Better" started by columnist Dan Savage, has been receiving a lot of attention. To raise awareness about the recent rash of teen suicides and to try to offer hope to young queer teens suffering from bullying and homophobia, Savage created a YouTube channel where ... http://www.bmclgbt.org/blog/2010/10/20/it-gets-better-but-in-the-meantime-lets-make-it-better/ Over the past year I’ve heard a lot of reason why people don’t think they or their congregation should become publicly affirming of lgbtq people. I thought about writing a response to each reason - there really aren’t that many. Maybe I still will, but before laying out counter-arguments, I ... http://www.bmclgbt.org/blog/2010/08/26/why-become-publicly-affirming/ I refuse to support an organization that actively or passively contributes to my own oppression. This is a recent realization, and I still often feel compelled to be apologetic about this choice. But I’ve tasted something better. You see, I thought I knew what an “lgbtq-friendly” congregation or organization was. Then I ... http://www.bmclgbt.org/blog/2010/06/11/good-cheese/