Are We a Safe Zone Yet?

Deacon’s Corner

Are We a Safe Zone Yet?

Summary: We had a large turnout for Safe Zone Training! To expand our efforts to create an outwardly safe space for new members, we learned lots of new vocabulary and new ways of looking at gender.

Our workshop last week was fun and fruitful, as we discussed ways to make our congregation a safe space for our LGBTQ+ or “Queer” neighbors. 

“Queer” is becoming an accepted umbrella term because it is easier than spelling all the letters. Although some older people have trouble with the word, since it was used against them as a negative slur, the younger generation has reclaimed the word, giving it a new meaning

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According to Webster’s dictionary, “queer” means “differing in some way from what is usual.” As a society, we are recognizing that being different can also be a super-power in a world full of “normal” people. By the way, the word “cisgender” is preferred over the word “normal”. God made us all, so we are all normal, but also unique in different ways. “Cisgender” means that your internal sense of gender is the same as the gender you were assigned at birth.

To make our church a more “affirming” space (i.e. you are not just welcome here as a sinner who needs to change), but you are affirmed as a person here, we are learning some new vocabulary and looking at other ways to show that we are a safe place for queer people seeking God. As always, I’m inspired by the loving kindness shown by the people here at St. Augustine.

Deacon Joanie

Rev. Dcn. Joanie Cahill

Deacon

St. Augustine of Canterbury