LGBT

Dear KNOT,

Ako po si AJ, isang closeted gay. Hindi pa ako umaamin sa lahat na ako ay gay. My parents are very religious. Masasabi ko rin na ang pananampalataya ko sa Panginoon ay malakas at masigla. Active po ako sa aming parokya, lalung-lalo na as Pangulo sa Batan-on (PSB). Nabulabog po ang aking pagkatao sa narinig kong komento galing sa ibang denominasyon na si Satanas raw po ang dahilan kung bakit dumarami ang miyembro ng LGBT. Marami ang nagiging bakla at tomboy. Ano po ba dapat ang gagawin ko? Alam ko po sa aking sarili na wala po akong ginagawang masama. Natatakot po ako. Ano po ang dapat kong gawin?

Nagmamahal,

AJ

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Dear AJ,

Staying in the “closet” can be very suffocating. Sooner or later you just have to get out and breathe the liberating fresh air of understanding, acceptance and respect. At the core of your being you have that dignity as a person, a child of God who loves you unconditionally.

As you have mentioned, you are active in your parish activities like PSB and that you don’t do anything wrong as far as your being gay is concerned. So what reason is there to fear? You serve God through your ministry and be assured He is pleased with what you are doing. Of course it takes courage and humility to reveal your true self to others. Be ready to face consequences because it is part of the risk you will be taking. God is there to give you enough graces to surmount whatever challenges may come along.

“Who am I to judge?” were Pope Francis’ words as he sought to make the Church more welcoming to gays. They too, are loved by God and are deserving of accompaniment by the Church. Take note, however, even as the Church calls on gays and lesbians to be respected and loved, homosexual activities are still considered “intrinsically disordered”.

God bless you.

DJ Cheng and Ate Emily

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