Comments on: 91��Ƶ to host inaugural LGBTQ+ History Month event on Virginia queer history

By: David Rudmin

David Rudmin — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 15:02:17 +0000

In reply to Andrew.

No, Jesus didn’t.
-Jn. 17:9 – “I do not pray for the world.”
-Rev. 2:6 – “But this you have: You hate the works of the [promiscuous] Nicolaitans WHICH I ALSO HATE.” (See the rest of the chapter for how He also hates Jezebel, promotrix of sexual immorality amongst Christians.)

By: Steve Mullet

Steve Mullet — Sat, 30 Oct 2021 12:46:10 +0000

I am deeply grateful that 91��Ƶ had the courage to embrace and promote this event. It gives me continued hope for institutions such as 91��Ƶ in their willingness to take the words that they are saying and make them concrete in actions. Thank you, Jackie, for your leadership and vision, and thanks so much Gregory Samantha Rosenthal for your wonderful presentation!
There is always the fear of fallout among constituents, of course. But what is sometimes overlooked is that crowd of prospective constituents who are waiting in the wings, and who are eager to support this kind of courage and direction. Following Jesus is not a popularity contest. Nor is it a soapbox that allows us to quickly categorize into pure and impure, righteous and sinner. Ironically, that behavior is precisely what Jesus set himself up against, embracing instead a posture of unflinching support for those who find themselves in the cross-hairs of that which purports to be from God. If we claim to follow, then we must deliberately set ourselves about the tasks that do the same, working tirelessly against all forms of oppression and domination, embracing love, denouncing hate, and living more fully toward the just and compassionate future that Jesus invited us all to work for.

By: Luke Mullet

Luke Mullet — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 17:19:37 +0000

As an alum, current student, and employee at 91��Ƶ, I am so excited for this step in our journey. It is a deep privilege to work in a space striving to be a “community of learners where everyone is heard, affirmed, valued, and respected.” 91��Ƶ allowed me to learn that, as a follower of Jesus, I will strive to embody Jesus’ radical love rather than turning the story on its head toward exclusion. Jesus disrupted systems and power centered on hate, destruction, and oppression; therefore, we are called to do the same. This event makes me proud, humbled, and inspired, especially knowing where 91��Ƶ has come from — may we continue to this work for liberation, justice, and healing.

By: Allison

Allison — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 13:39:12 +0000

As a queer alum, I am really surprised and excited for 91��Ƶ’s steps forward. It makes me feel safer knowing organizational changes are happening from within. When I was in the program in 2003, one of my professors (a fav of mine) was fired for being gay and living with his longtime partner. It appalled everyone in our program and made the LGBTQ+ classmates feel very unsafe on campus. Now 18 yrs later to see 91��Ƶ hosting this event is both exciting and shocking. I am glad people are doing the work to understand the real truth of love and acceptance and not some mistranslated Bible passages.
It is disheartening but also not surprising to see so many negative and hateful comments. As someone who was excommunicated after coming out, I have learned that “christians” are the most judgmental and hateful of all of the people I have encountered. Thankfully I have other, unconditionally loving Christian voice ls surrounding me now.
Cheers to the future of 91��Ƶ and being more unconditionally loving to everyone!

By: Disappointed Alumni

Disappointed Alumni — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 10:17:21 +0000

In reply to Mark Metzler Sawin. Professors should be encouraging the students to find find truth and comfort in the truth of Jesus death and resurrection. My personal feelings and experience was professors encouraged students to find truth and comfort in being the most woke. The irony being we didn’t become more inclusive we just redirected the pendulum to one not focused on the one and only true purpose of leading everyone to the truth of salvation. That’s the mission let’s never forget that while we pat. ourselves and others on the back.

By: Scott

Scott — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 21:44:46 +0000

After working for eight years on 91��Ƶ’s Residence Life team, one of my greatest honors was being trusted to walk with some students who were grappling with their gender and sexual identities. Not for one second is it lost on me that there were & are so many others who are processing these questions and keeping it to themselves. I am proud to be a part of 91��Ƶ at a time when we continue to grow and affirm everyone as people of God and making our community a safer place to live truly into who each person has been made to be.

By: Kathy

Kathy — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 17:34:33 +0000

In reply to Paul. This is telling: "I also notice that everyone posting in support of this assembly is gay or has a close association with a gay person." Exactly - when you know someone personally, it's more difficult to assign stereotypes and judgments. Perhaps you might consider having a conversation with someone who is gay or transgender before you judge them. Besides, it's really not your job. Jesus was particularly clear about who gets to judge others and who doesn't.

By: Kate

Kate — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 22:22:28 +0000

Yes!! So proud to be a part of 91��Ƶ!! Thank you for continuing to grow in love and affirmation for ALL people of God!

By: HEARTBROKEN PARENT

HEARTBROKEN PARENT — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 21:07:30 +0000

VERY, VERY ASHAMED OF 91��Ƶ. THEY NEED TO CHANGE THEIR NAME AS THEY ARE NOT A CHRISTIAN COLLEGE. READ YOUR BIBLE!!! THIS TRULY BREAKS MY HEART!

By: Mark Metzler Sawin

Mark Metzler Sawin — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 19:38:45 +0000

Just months after I arrived at 91��Ƶ twenty years ago, one of my colleagues was immediately terminated simply because she loved another woman. Unsure if I could work at an institution that did such things, I spoke with many of my mentors–many of them deeply devout people who spent careers working to help the church and religious institutions become more open to all of God’s children. They encouraged me to stay and work for change instead of leaving. At moments like this I’m so grateful I did. 91��Ƶ has and will continue to struggle with issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion, but it is making strides forward. As someone who works every day with the hundreds of amazingly diverse, energetic, loving, hopeful, struggling, and questioning young people here, I’m grateful that we’re working to support them all. It’s not easy, but it is amazing work. Thanks, 91��Ƶ for celebrating LGBTQ+ month and bringing in this important speaker.

By: Paul

Paul — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 18:44:37 +0000

In reply to Ruby Lehman. Maybe 91��Ƶ should have a representative from NAMBLA give the next speech. I think it might be good to be open to their perspective and celebrate their inclusion and contribution to God’s rainbow. After all … Love is Love. The church and the people supporting the homosexual lifestyle choice on this discussion can not even identify and label sin (which is separate from judgement) so how are you any different the secular society; there are lots of groups that love, promote peace and do good works. Some are even cults like JWs or LDSs. Is there anything that you even consider sin or is the Bible just an antiquated relic written by old white men to suppress God’s true intentions and you are so intellectually superior with the help of discernment and the clairvoyance revealed to you ….or at least how you would like they world to be. Sometimes God asks for obedience without your earthly mind and desires clouding the issue. It’s called faith. I also notice that everyone posting in support of this assembly is gay or has a close association with a gay person.

By: BCW

BCW — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 15:22:37 +0000

In reply to KRE. Our God is a LOVING God, not a vindictive God. I am so thrilled to see this program at 91��Ƶ and have forwarded it to family members so they can participate. 91��Ƶ is moving in the right direction and we need to continue on this path. All should be welcome here and feel comfortable here. Learning some LGBTQ+ history is a step in the right direction. As the Bible states, "...and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law." (Romans 13:9-10). LOVE WINS!

By: Allison Eanes ‘13

Allison Eanes ‘13 — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 15:14:38 +0000

I’m so grateful to see 91��Ƶ finally taking the courageous steps to host an event like this, acknowledging and celebrating the rainbow of identities present at 91��Ƶ and beyond. It’s been a long time in coming! Thank you to the work of space space and other orgs who made this happen!

By: Bob Bishop '70

Bob Bishop '70 — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 14:49:38 +0000

Age takes its toll but does give perspective. In hindsight, I’ve recognized my home was one characterized by acceptance, security, opportunity, love, encouragement and privilege. Today 91��Ƶ challenges me to grow in grace, mercy, generosity, justice, service, humility and sometimes to be still and listen.

By: Murl Baker

Murl Baker — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 14:35:31 +0000

It’s important to listen and actually hear different points of view, even if you don’t agree. As the first comment read, “I’m so glad to see this event happening at my alma mater. Openness to and acceptance of LGTBQIA people has been long in arriving, but I congratulate 91��Ƶ on making strides forward”.

Comments on: 91����Ƶ to host inaugural LGBTQ+ History Month event on Virginia queer history