Jim Koury, a 63-year-old gay man from Oneonta, NY, shares his personal journey of self-discovery, coming out, and embracing his true self. [a93565ad] He reflects on his childhood, feeling different from others, and the process of accepting his sexuality. Koury discusses his career as a City Clerk and his hobbies of writing and drawing, highlighting the importance of pursuing one's passions. [a93565ad] He also talks about the challenges and reactions he faced when coming out to his family, friends, and coworkers. Koury expresses his views on organized religion, spirituality, and the significance of being true to oneself. [a93565ad] Additionally, he shares an experience of receiving a threatening email due to his work promoting LGBTQ+ rights, shedding light on the ongoing discrimination faced by the community. [a93565ad] Koury concludes by expressing his hope for a more inclusive and accepting future, emphasizing the need to combat homophobia and discrimination. [a93565ad]
In a related development, Rev. Brandon Thomas Crowley, an LGBTQ pastor, is working to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion in Black churches. [b5c289d1] Crowley, who came out as gay to his congregation in 2015, has written a book called 'Queering the Black Church' to serve as a guide for other congregations to be open and affirming to LGBTQ+ people. The book aims to help Black churches become as welcoming as Crowley's own congregation. [b5c289d1] The article highlights Crowley's personal journey, including his upbringing in the church, his decision to become a pastor, and the challenges he faced in reconciling his sexuality with his faith. [b5c289d1] It also discusses the broader issue of LGBTQ+ inclusion in Black churches and the resistance that still exists within many denominations. [b5c289d1] The recent decision by the United Methodist Church to end its 40-year ban on gay clergy is mentioned as a significant shift for the denomination. [b5c289d1]
Rev. Karen Sethuraman, Ireland's only female Baptist minister, will bring her message of national reunification and community reconciliation to San Francisco. [dda4901c] She will be participating in the first-ever event featuring the Ireland's Future campaign group on the west coast of America. Rev. Karen has gained a reputation for supporting marginalized and victimized groups, particularly providing a supportive faith environment for LGBT and other groups who feel they 'don't fit' in the established church structures. [dda4901c] Earlier this year, she joined the board of United Ireland campaigning group Ireland's Future. In a letter to Irish American and faith groups in the Bay Area of San Francisco, Rev. Karen expresses her belief that a United Ireland is inevitable and emphasizes the importance of preparing and planning for it. She believes that all voices should be welcome and heard at the table to create a new Ireland and build a better home for all. [dda4901c] The event, supported by the Irish Herald newspaper, will take place at the United Irish Cultural Center in San Francisco on May 23rd. [dda4901c]