Peterson Toscano spent 17 years trying not to be gay. It didn't work. He had performed a one-person play about his experience. He has since turned to such interesting topics as gender variant characters in the Bible. That one I'd like to see. Toscano understands where the Fundies are coming from and the need to battle their hold on America's political process. But he is angry at the progressive churches and their pastors, who say "I'm with you, but I can't say so publicly."
Toscano outlines three reasons why progressive churches need to be more vocal in their support of gay people.
* The historical and current oppression of gay people has come from Christian Churches. Thus, it is Christian Churches who must supply the clear voice that such oppression must stop.
* When gay issues are discussed in churches there are usually gays in the room. We are The Other who are a part of you.
* Since gay church people still must address the gay issue they are not free to pour their energies into other social justice issues.
October 11 is National Coming Out Day, a good day for all progressive church leaders to come out in support of their gay members. Yes, there may be consequences -- book deals dropped, pastors asked to leave, speakers uninvited. But justice work has a cost, which may lead to fellowship with the suffering.
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