tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27612445.post3509009482759591320..comments2024-03-23T12:05:23.537-05:00Comments on The Wild Reed: A Catholic Presence at Gay PrideMichael J. Baylyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087458490602152648noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27612445.post-50277995757112702502009-07-01T07:23:04.930-05:002009-07-01T07:23:04.930-05:00This year I went to my first Pride! Unfortunately,...This year I went to my first Pride! Unfortunately, although I was not "officially" in a relationship, I experienced along ith this joy for the first time the pain and abandonment that can be felt from a guy who has shown you an abundant amount of love but, for whatever reason, has chosen to no longer be a part of your life. <br /><br />Even though my first Pride was a bit OVERWHELMING because I didn't really know where to begin it did make me feel a bit more at home to see many Christian organizations present at Baltimore's celebration. I don't recall seeing any Catholic tables there, but I did pick up a pamphlet from the local Metropolitan Community Church here in Baltimore and plan on paying them a visit as soon as I can! <br /><br />The brief friendship that I had which gave me my first glimpse into what love could be like showed me that love is indeed capable of conquering many things, but not necessarily ALL things. Unfortunately, the mere mention of religion within the gay community brings with it an of disdain, distrust, and repugnance. I can understand all of this impulsive emotions emitted from some individuals but I am one who thinks INDIVIDUALS within religions are responsibile for giving relations with the gay community a bad name rather than the religions themselves. So along with educating our straight allies we can educate our fellow LGBT friends in how the Vatican's interpretation of homosexuality is by no means the final, definitive nail in the coffin on how most Catholics feel regarding homosexuality. <br /><br />Hopefully, someday, I can help contribute to this cause myself! Keep doing what you're doing Michael, Jesus is proud of you!Phillip Clarknoreply@blogger.com