By Matters India Reporter
Mumbai, Sept 23, 2021: A recent program to create awareness among Catholic LGBTQ+ people turned out to be an amalgam of personal stories, professional insights and clerical support.
Around 40 people attended the online program on the theme, “Not a Phase… Love, Me,” conducted by the Rainbow Catholics India (RCI), a group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and those who identify as queer or are questioning their sexual or gender identity.
RCI was formed in October 2018, with the vision for ‘unconditional, visible inclusion of our LGBTQ+ Catholic faithful in the Catholic Church. It drew inspiration from Pope Francis’ famous remark: “Who am I to judge?”
Many participants found the program a formidable step forward in the movement for them in the Catholic faith, the organizers said.
The two and a half hour session began with introduction by RCI coordinator Virginia Saldanha, who said the program provided a safe space for all to express themselves. She, however, stressed the importance of respecting the other’s opinion.
Four RCI members shared their stories and experiences. They said they were baring their souls in front of strangers. They chose to reveal their identity and speak before a camera.
One of them, Lyle Michael, shared his experience of being gay in the Catholic Church, both in Mumbai and in the US. He stressed the need for a strong support system in the Church and in family and friends.
Rachael Alphonso, one of the organizers, shared her journey from a homophobe to a strong ally of the LGBTQ+ community which helped others in the audience to relate.
Ava Mary Pie shared her story of finding peace in her newly adopted Catholic faith after going through an ordeal of anxiety, depression and rejection while coping with a disability.
Andy Stephen Silveira narrated how his friend had died of suicide because of a conflict between sexuality and faith. Silveira spoke of his journey in the seminary to finally fighting the system as a gay person on the outside.
The common thread through sharing was the need to be true to oneself and to accept the other as they are.
The participants also said it was time the Church stepped up to help them.
The participants applauded a presentation on gender and sexuality by Diane Veloso, associate professor and coordinator of Behavioural Sciences at De Salle University, Philippines,
They said they found the talk enlightening, informative and precise that helped them understand the difference between sexuality and sexual behavior.
Father Suren Abreu shared his views on homosexuality in the faith and how he stands as an ally for such individuals. Scripture does have to adapt with its people, he mentioned, and shared how he is constantly creating awareness among the congregation through his sermons and his pastoral work. He even paints his nails for his homilies, he said. “It gets the people talking and discourse is half the battle won,” he added.
Professors, social service workers, professionals in the field of gender studies and human rights, seminarians as well as parents of LGBTQ+ persons from across India logged into the September 4 program.
I firmly believe that what happens in the bedroom between consenting adults should remain there. What is the need to broadcast one’s sexuality? I am a married man. What happens if I give in to my sexual urges? What will happen to the sanctity of my family? Sex is no doubt God’s gift, but is doesn’t give me the licence to do just what I want. I have a licence to drive a car. I still need to follow traffic rules. Whether one is hetero sexual or otherwise, we need to exercise constraint.
I fail to understand what a Catholic priest, who is sworn to celibacy, is trying to convey by painting his nails! If he is sexually active then he cannot continue as a priest. One cannot have one’s cake and eat it too.