I am pan-romantic
I am Pan-romantic Demisexual and I wish I could share that the churches I have been a part of have not only accepted me, but loved and supported me. They have truly been family. I wish I could share with other member of the LGBTQAI+ community that they can be themselves and have a loving church also.
Additionally, I wish I could share with my church more information about lesser-recognized parts of the LGBTQAI+ community. Pan romantics, Demisexuals, Aromantics, Asexuals, and others often feel excluded from even their own communities. Part of affirming is making an effort to be better educated on the LGBTQAI+ continuum and the issues and struggles they face. Part of this is the visibility of all sexuality, gender and romantic preferences.
My faith has been strengthened by the transformative love of God in my life I know other members of the LGBTQAI+ community whose faith has been strengthened as well. I know that we are all stronger when given unapologetic, radical love. The LGBTQAI+ community will be stronger if we as a church offer them this love. We as a church will be stronger in the process of affirmation and Iridesce if we nurture and offer that love to one another — within our church communities, and outside them.
Signed, Catherine Spence in Manitoba
(Shared with permission. Photo: Wix commons.)
