Submitted by Sean Langdon, Rocky Mountain Mission Center President
A few years ago, my friend Dylan and I attended an event called the “Coming Out” Monologues in Portland, OR. It was an evening of celebration, vulnerability, and courage. Six individuals shared deeply and authentically their Coming Out stories with those gathered. There were tears, there was laughter, and there was a strong sense of safe space and supportive community. Various sexual orientations and gender identities were represented that night. A mother of a trans child even shared from their perspective as an ally and then the child bravely shared with the audience. As Dylan and I continued to reflect on that experience, we knew that we wanted to create a similar experience for a Community of Christ audience. So, during the Pride month that follower, we hosted Chapter 1 of the Community of Christ “Coming Out” Monologues in June 2021. We are now preparing for Chapter 6 to take place on National “Coming Out” Day this October!
We invite all to join on Zoom and listen with open hearts, ears, and minds to the sacred stories of those within the LGBTQIA+ community as well as those who journey with them. To help preserve the sacred practice of listening, the chat feature is turned off until the end of the event. In respect for the vulnerability of the stories shared, we do not record the monologues. We invite folks to join and be fully present to what is unfolding in the lives of our storytellers. These are stories from our journey, past and current, with hope shared for the journey forward.
Our next “Coming Out” Monologue will be:
- Wednesday, October 11: “I Am God’s Work: Authentic Stories of Truth and Hope”. Join us on National “Coming Out” Day for Chapter 6 of the monologues.
We will announce our Storytellers as we get closer to the event.
If you are in the LGBTQIA+ community and associated with Community of Christ and are interested in sharing your story during a future monologue, please contact Sean Langdon (slangdon@cofchrist.org).
This 2-hour event will begin at the following times: 6:00p PT / 7:00p Mt / 8:00p CT / 9:00P ET.
How to connect to the “Coming Out” monologues:
Join us by using the following Zoom Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85186670433?pwd=VVlEcXFDQjhyd1JNWkxzT1lESXhDQT09
Alternatively, to join by phone and listen in, use this number: 1-253-215-8782
Meeting ID: 851 8667 0433
Passcode: 942012
The Community of Christ “Coming Out” Monologues is co-sponsored by Beyond Horizons and Harmony. Beyond Horizons is a New Expression of Community focused on relational ministry for the LGBTQIA+ and Allies Community in the Greater Pacific Northwest USA Mission Center. Harmony is a non-profit organization that provides advocacy, education, and resources for Queer voices in Community of Christ with a shared vision of full participation.