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TGIWFH

Thank goodness, it’s a work from home Friday. I can relax and not be bothered. I have to do some online training today, and I’ll probably grade some midterms. Other than that, it should be an easy day. This week has either been incredibly busy or incredibly boring. There hasn’t been much in between. I have a four day weekend at home since we are off Monday for Spring Break.

If you are in the USA, you might have heard about the organization People’s Union USA calling for a nationwide boycott. They want today to be an economic blackout. This movement follows the rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at several major companies, including Target, PepsiCo and others. (Coca-Cola and Apple have both refused to rollback DEI initiatives.) The boycott coincides with protests against President Dumbass's plans to reduce the government workforce and mass firings at federal agencies. The boycott began at midnight last night and will last for 24 hours. During this time, the organization encourages Americans not to buy anything — this includes gas, fast food, or shopping in-store or online at major retailers. If participants need to buy anything, they are encouraged to shop at local and small businesses. Essential items such as medicine, food and emergency supplies can still be bought.

I hope you’ll join in. The thing about boycotts is that if enough people don’t participate, then it won’t be successful. There had to enough of an economic impact to make a difference and to make the point your trying to make. So, please consider following this boycott and only buy locally today.

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Inspirational Quote

“We deserve to experience love fully, equally, without shame and without compromise.” — Elliot Page

Love is one of the most fundamental human experiences, yet for too long, LGBTQ+ individuals have been told that their love is something to be hidden, altered, or diminished. Elliot Page’s words remind us that love should be free from fear and compromise. No one should have to justify their identity or fight for the right to love openly and authentically.

This quote speaks to the importance of equality—not just in legal rights, but in the way love is valued and respected in society. It’s a call to reject shame and embrace pride, to push back against narratives that suggest LGBTQ+ love is anything less than beautiful and valid. Whether in relationships, friendships, or self-love, everyone deserves to experience love without barriers. Today, let this quote serve as a reminder to support, uplift, and celebrate each other in our journeys toward full acceptance and joy.

Since it’s Thursday, here’s your Isabella Pic of the Week:

This is about as close as I get to her cuddling. She’s not a cuddly cat, and she also seems to not like her picture being taken.

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The Aesthetics of the Male Nude in Ancient Art

The male nude was a central subject in the art of many ancient civilizations, particularly in Greece and Rome, but also in Egypt and Mesopotamia. These representations were not just artistic choices but carried deep cultural, religious, and philosophical meanings. The aesthetic of the male nude in the ancient world often emphasized idealized forms, physical perfection, and heroic attributes, reflecting societal values and beliefs about masculinity, virtue, and even divine favor.

In ancient Greek art, the male nude was idealized in sculpture, particularly in works such as Polykleitos’ Doryphoros and Praxiteles’ Hermes and the Infant Dionysus. The Greek kouros statues (early archaic depictions of young men) emphasized youthful beauty, symmetry, and a balance between realism and idealization. Nudity in Greek art was associated with athleticism, heroism, and even moral virtue, reflecting the Greek belief that the male form was the pinnacle of divine beauty. Greek vase paintings often depicted nude male athletes, warriors, and gods, reinforcing the connection between physical excellence and noble character. The gymnasium (a place where young men trained nude) was both an athletic and intellectual center, reinforcing the idea that physical and intellectual excellence were intertwined. 

The second century Roman copy of the Apollo Belvedere is one of, if not the, most celebrated marble sculpture of a nude male from classical antiquity. From the mid-18th century, it was considered the greatest ancient sculpture by ardent neoclassicists, and for centuries it epitomized the ideals of aesthetic perfection for Europeans and westernized parts of the world. The Apollo became one of the world's most celebrated art works when in 1755 it was championed by the German art historian and archaeologist Johann Joachim Winckelmann as the best example of the perfection of the Greek aesthetic ideal. Its "noble simplicity and quiet grandeur," as he described it, became one of the leading lights of neoclassicism and an icon of the Enlightenment. Goethe, Schiller, and Byron, all endorsed it. The Apollo was one of the artworks brought to Paris by Napoleon after his 1796 Italian Campaign. From 1798 it formed part of the collection of the Louvre during the First Empire, but after 1815 was returned to the Vatican where it has remained ever since.

The frequent depiction of the male nude in ancient art reveal how cultures conceptualized beauty, masculinity, and relationships between men. In ancient Greece, for example, the admiration of the male form was closely tied to pederasty, a socially accepted relationship between an older man (erastes) and a younger man (eromenos). This relationship was often educational and mentorship-based but could also have an erotic component. Greek vase paintings sometimes depicted these relationships explicitly, showing affection between men, including courtship rituals like gift-giving or intimate gestures. In Rome, male-male relationships existed, but Roman masculinity was defined differently than in Greece. A freeborn Roman man (citizen) could engage in relationships with other men, but societal norms dictated that he should take the dominant role; being the passive partner was seen as unmanly. Roman frescoes and sculptures sometimes depicted homoerotic themes, especially in private or mythological contexts, such as scenes involving the god Ganymede, who was abducted by Zeus.

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The Journey

The Journey
by Mary Oliver

One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice—
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
“Mend my life!”
each voice cried.
But you didn’t stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do—
determined to save
the only life you could save.


About the Poem

Mary Oliver’s poem “The Journey” is a deeply inspirational and metaphorical piece about personal transformation, self-discovery, and resilience. It describes the speaker’s realization that they must leave behind external voices and influences in order to forge their own path in life. The poem is often interpreted as an encouragement to break free from unhealthy situations, relationships, or societal expectations to embrace one's own truth.

The poem begins with a sense of urgency—"One day you finally knew what you had to do, and began." This opening line sets the stage for the journey as a necessary and inevitable step toward self-liberation. The speaker acknowledges that, although others may demand their attention and try to hold them back, they must move forward. Oliver vividly describes the external voices calling after the speaker, emphasizing how difficult it is to break away. These voices represent societal pressures, relationships, or even self-doubt that try to prevent change. The imagery of a storm and darkness conveys the challenges and emotional turmoil of making such a difficult decision.

Despite the hardships, the speaker persists, pushing forward into the unknown. The journey becomes symbolic of self-reliance and personal growth. The physical struggle in the poem mirrors an internal struggle to stay true to oneself despite fear and uncertainty. By the end of the poem, the speaker finds that the world begins to open up—"the stars began to burn through the sheets of clouds." This suggests enlightenment, hope, and a sense of peace. The journey was painful, but it was necessary to achieve personal freedom and fulfillment.

“The Journey” is a poem about finding the strength to follow one’s own path despite external pressures. Mary Oliver's simple yet profound language makes it a universal and uplifting piece that resonates with anyone undergoing a period of change or self-discovery. The poem ultimately affirms that, though the journey may be difficult, it is essential for living an authentic and fulfilled life.


About the Poet

Mary Oliver (1935–2019) was an American poet known for her deep connection to nature, spirituality, and the themes of self-discovery, love, and mindfulness. She was one of the most beloved contemporary poets, celebrated for her accessible yet profound writing style that resonated with readers across generations. Born in Maple Heights, Ohio, Oliver had a difficult childhood and found solace in nature and poetry. She was heavily influenced by poets such as Walt Whitman and Rainer Maria Rilke, whose themes of transcendence and deep observation of the world around them echoed in her own work. In her teenage years, she spent time at the home of poet Edna St. Vincent Millay, helping to organize Millay’s papers, which further shaped her literary career.

Oliver lived much of her life in Provincetown, Massachusetts, where she found inspiration in the coastal landscapes. She was in a long-term relationship with photographer Molly Malone Cook, who was also her literary agent. Their partnership greatly influenced Oliver’s poetry, often bringing themes of love and companionship into her work.

Mary Oliver’s poetry remains widely read and quoted, particularly in spiritual and self-help communities. Her work continues to inspire readers to embrace nature, self-reflection, and the beauty of everyday life. She was often compared to poets like Emily Dickinson and Robert Frost for her ability to capture deep truths in simple, evocative language. Her most famous lines, such as “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” from “The Summer Day,” encapsulate the essence of her poetic vision—one of wonder, appreciation, and a call to live fully.

Thank you, Susan, for sending me this wonderful and thought provoking poem.

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Grading

Although I’ll be dressed and in my office, I will probably have the same look as this guy all day today. I need to catch up on grading. I love teaching, but I have always loathed grading. For one thing, it takes up a lot of time, and I don’t like giving bad grades, though I think any good teacher would hate giving bad grades I know there are some who get joy out of it, but if students are making bad grades, a lot of that reflects back on how well a teacher is doing their job. 

Also, modern technology like texting, tweeting, etc. has caused many people to write in a modern and often perplexing shorthand, and people get out of the habit of writing complete sentences. An emphasis on teaching writing is not what students are used to anymore. That being said, this is usually an issue with freshman. None of my students are freshmen, and thus are further along in their studies.

It’s also hard to get students into discussions in class or to ask questions. I get that. I was a very shy and not a confident student. I was a good and attentive student, but I was always afraid I’d say something dumb. So, I mostly kept quiet. To make up for this, I have my students write journal entries each week, that I “grade at random,” which translates to, I’ll grade them when I have to. Well, I need to catch up on grading their journals. Usually, it’s mostly pretty interesting because I get to see what my students are thinking about and learning in class.

I should have been grading all weekend, but I’ve had a migraine and kept putting it off. So, I need to get caught up today and turn in midterm grades. Luckily, I will be the only one in the office today and can concentrate on grading.

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Nothing Can Separate Us from God’s Love

“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?…For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

— Romans 8:3, 38-39

As LGBTQ+ people of faith, we sometimes face rejection—whether from family, church, or society. We may wonder: Does God still love me? Am I truly welcome in God’s embrace? Romans 8:31-39 offers a resounding YES to those questions. Paul reminds us that if God is for us, nothing can stand against us—not condemnation, not judgment, not rejection. He goes even further, declaring that absolutely nothing—not hardship, persecution, fear, or even death—can separate us from the love of Christ.

God’s love is not conditional. It does not depend on how others see us or even how we sometimes see ourselves. It is steadfast, unshakable, and unwavering. Jesus’ sacrifice is proof that we are deeply cherished, exactly as we are. When we face discrimination or self-doubt, we can hold on to this truth: We are more than conquerors through Him who loves us. God’s love is not reserved for a select few—it is for everyone, including LGBTQ+ people. We are not excluded from the grace, purpose, and beauty of God’s plan.

How does knowing that nothing can separate you from God’s love change the way you see yourself and your place in the world? Just as we often struggle with whether God loves us, we also struggle with self-acceptance. Messages from the world—sometimes even from churches—may tell us that we are unworthy, sinful, or somehow “less than.” But Romans 8:31-39 assures us that nothing can separate us from God’s love. This means that not only does God love us fully, but God also calls us to love ourselves as divine creations.

Loving ourselves is not selfish or prideful—it is a reflection of the way God sees us. Jesus reminds us of this in Mark 12:31 when He teaches, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If we are to love others well, we must first love ourselves. That means embracing our identity, our gifts, and our worth, knowing that God made no mistake in creating us exactly as we are.

In 1 Samuel 16:7, when Samuel was sent to anoint the next king, he assumed God would choose someone strong and mighty. “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’” This reminds us that God’s love and purpose are not based on societal expectations, but on the truth of who we are. God chose David, saying, “People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

In John 21:15-19, Peter had denied Jesus three times and he felt ashamed and unworthy. Yet, Jesus restored him, showing that our mistakes and struggles do not separate us from God’s love. This reminds us to extend grace to ourselves, knowing that we are always welcome in God’s presence. But what does this mean for us? We were created by God, and He created us with a different sexuality than the majority of the world. We have not denied Christ; we have just sought his love. So, what does John 21:15-19 mean for us today? It means that by loving ourselves in the light of God’s love we are embracing our identity as God’s beloved, without shame. We are peaking kindly to ourselves and rejecting negative self-talk. We are surrounding ourselves with love—people, communities, and messages that affirm our worth, and we are caring for ourselves spiritually, mentally, and physically.

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Moment of Zen: White Briefs

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Almost Here

I am so glad to be back on my regular schedule, and this is my work from home day. Our idiot president said the other day, “Nobody’s going to work from home, they’re going to be going out, they’re gonna play tennis, they’re gonna play golf. They’re gonna do a lot of things—they’re not working.” The reporter who was presenting the story then went on to show the orange asshole playing golf. Just because he doesn’t not actually do any work other than sign executive orders that he didn’t write and make the most idiotic appointments, doesn’t mean that other people who are working from home aren’t doing their job. Most days that I’m working from home, I get more accomplished than when I’m at the office. No one is there to bother or interrupt me. And besides, the Oval Office, where the president is supposed to actually work is in the White House and is his home. Furthermore, he spends more time at Mar-a-Lago or his other properties than he does at the White House. Our president is the master of projection, which in psychology means a defense mechanism where an individual attributes their own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, and behavior on others. So, if you want to want to know the truth about anything orange slob says, just change the name of whoever he is talking about and replace it with his name. Nothing that ever comes out of his mouth is truthful, and everything is hateful. In one month, he’s done more damage to our country’s democracy than any president in history has done their whole term in office, and we have a depressing 47 more months to go.

Sorry! When I started this post it was supposed to be about the weekend being almost here and getting to enjoy spending the day with Isabella as she supervises me working at my desk. I got a bit sidetracked. I have things to do to prepare for next week. Most of it has to do with the class I’m teaching, but I’m sure other things will come up as well.

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Getting Ready

If I didn’t have a class today, I think I’d call in sick, not really because I am sick, though I probably do need a mental health day, but because I just want to crawl back into bed. Isabella started early this morning trying to wake me. I swear this cat knows when it’s a salmon day. I rotate through salmon, tuna, and chicken. Chicken is her least favorite and some days she turns her nose up at it, but salmon is by far her favorite. She’ll occasionally refuse to eat what I give her, but only once in all these years has she ever refused to eat salmon. It always seems like she’s most persistent to wake me in salmon days. Anyway, whatever the reason for her continued persistence this morning was, I’m awake now and will soon have to start getting ready for work. Thank goodness tomorrow is a work from home day.

Here’s your Isabella pic of the week (sorry that I forgot to post one last week). This picture clearly says, “Why? Why did you wake me? Why are you taking my picture? I’m going back to sleep!” If only she’d let me go back so sleep some mornings.

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Art and the Naked Man

I post a lot of nude photography of men. I have always preferred images that look less professional or posed and I keep away from selfies, except in the pics of guys with cameras that I post on Tuesdays. Occasionally, I receive criticism for posting male nudes while at the same time talking about my faith each Sunday. I think the male body should be celebrated, and some of my readers come to see the photos I will post. If that means they also read my devotionals on Sundays, then it spreads the message I try to convey. That being said, I thought I’d start a weekly series on the male nude in art throughout the history. I doubt I will go in chronological order, but more of an introduction today focusing on the photography of male nudes.

Photography has been a crucial medium in LGBTQ+ art, providing a powerful way to explore identity, desire, and resistance. Male nude photography, in particular, has played a significant role in shaping the visual language of queer art, challenging societal norms, and creating spaces for LGBTQ+ expression. From the early coded works of the 19th century to the bold imagery of contemporary artists, male nude photography has been a key site of queer visibility and activism.

Art has been part of the appreciation of the male body throughout history. The male nude has been a central subject in the history of art, serving as a symbol of idealized beauty, power, and the human condition. In ancient Greece and Rome, male nude sculptures celebrated physical perfection and heroism, embodying philosophical ideals of harmony and virtue. During the Renaissance, artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci revived classical traditions, using the male form to explore anatomy, movement, and divine inspiration. While religious and mythological themes often justified depictions of male nudity, these works also reflected shifting cultural attitudes toward masculinity, physicality, and artistic mastery.

In later centuries, the male nude became more controversial, especially in Western art, where shifting moral standards led to greater censorship. While female nudes remained common, male nudity was often restricted to academic studies or hidden in private collections. In the 19th and 20th centuries, artists like Édouard Manet, Egon Schiele, and later, queer photographers such as George Platt Lynes and Robert Mapplethorpe, used the male nude to challenge societal norms, explore eroticism, and assert LGBTQ+ visibility. Today, the male nude continues to be a powerful subject, reflecting changing perspectives on gender, identity, and artistic freedom.

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Jesus at the Gay Bar

Jesus at the Gay Bar
By Jay Hulme

He's here in the midst of it -
right at the centre of the dance floor,
robes hitched up to His knees
to make it easy to spin.

At some point in the evening
a boy will touch the hem of His robe
and beg to be healed, beg to be
anything other than this;

and He will reach His arms out,
sweat-damp, and weary from dance.
He'll cup this boy's face in His hand and say,

                                    my beautiful child
there is nothing in this heart of yours
that ever needs to be healed.



About the Poem

I have posted “Jesus at the Gay Bar” by Jay Hulme once before, but I really love the poem. Some won’t like it because it doesn’t rhyme, but I think it’s beautifully composed. Jay Hulme says he based the poem on Mark 5:25-34 “drawing a parallel between the unnamed woman in the passage, and queer people - more particularly, the "boy" in the poem, a young LGBT man struggling with his queerness, and, it is suggested, struggling with how that reconciles with his faith….To understand the parallel more clearly you first have to understand the context behind Mark 5. Under Levitical law (Leviticus 15:25-30), as it was followed at that time, the woman would have been deemed ‘unclean’ by religious authorities, and she would have been cast out from society for the ‘good’ of that society. (To read more about Hulme’s explanation of the poem, see “Jesus at the Gay Bar” on his website; to read my thoughts on the poem, continue reading.)

“Jesus at the Gay Bar” by Jay Hulme is a powerful and evocative poem that reimagines Jesus in a contemporary queer space, offering a vision of divine love, acceptance, and liberation. The poem challenges traditional religious narratives that have often excluded or condemned LGBTQ+ individuals, instead presenting Jesus as a compassionate and affirming presence. The poem portrays Jesus as someone who embraces and affirms those who have been marginalized, particularly within religious contexts. By placing Jesus in a gay bar, Hulme subverts the expectation that religion excludes queer people, instead showing that Christ’s love extends to everyone.

A key moment in the poem is when Jesus tells a man, “my beautiful child / there is nothing in this heart of yours / that ever needs to be healed.” This line is deeply significant, as it counters the messages of shame and guilt that many LGBTQ+ individuals have received from religious institutions. Jesus is depicted not as a judge, but as a liberator, offering reassurance and unconditional love. By placing Jesus in a gay bar—a space of joy, resistance, and self-expression—Hulme suggests that holiness is not confined to churches or traditional religious spaces. The sacred is found wherever love, truth, and authenticity exist. The poem reclaims religious imagery and reinterprets Christian theology in a way that aligns with radical inclusivity. It challenges the ways Christianity has been used to oppress queer people and instead offers a vision of faith that is celebratory and affirming.

Hulme’s language is tender and intimate, creating a Jesus who is close, personal, and deeply invested in human dignity. The setting of the gay bar, often seen as a place of refuge and community for LGBTQ+ people, reinforces the idea that Jesus meets people where they are, rather than demanding they conform to rigid religious norms.

The contrast between traditional religious depictions of Jesus and this reimagining makes the poem striking. Instead of being distant or judgmental, Jesus is in the midst of dancing, embracing, and healing—actions that symbolize love, grace, and inclusion. “Jesus at the Gay Bar” is a radical and hopeful poem that reclaims faith as a source of love rather than condemnation. It offers a vision of a Christ who is not only present with LGBTQ+ people but actively affirms and delights in their existence. Hulme’s poem is a powerful response to religious exclusion, offering an alternative theology rooted in unconditional love.


About the Poet

Jay Hulme is a British poet, writer, and public speaker known for his work on faith, gender, and LGBTQ+ identity. He is particularly recognized for his accessible and evocative poetry, which often explores themes of queerness, religion, and social justice. Hulme is a transgender man, and his experiences with gender identity and faith frequently inform his writing.

His poetry blends modern, often urban imagery with deep emotional resonance and themes of inclusivity, hope, and belonging. In addition to poetry, Hulme is an advocate for trans rights and speaks publicly about the intersection of faith and queerness, challenging exclusionary religious narratives.

Hulme has published several poetry collections, including Clouds Cannot Cover Us and The Backwater Sermons, the latter of which explicitly engages with spirituality and justice. His work has been widely praised for its lyrical style and its ability to bridge divides between faith communities and LGBTQ+ individuals.

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Presidents’ Day

Presidents' Day is often seen as a celebration of leadership, democracy, and the vision of those who have shaped the United States. But for the LGBTQ+ community, this day can carry a more complex meaning. It is both a reminder of how far we have come in the fight for equality and a call to action against the rising tide of fascism threatening our freedoms.

In recent years, far-right politicians have worked aggressively to roll back LGBTQ+ rights, attack transgender individuals, and undermine democracy itself. This Presidents' Day, we must ask ourselves: What kind of leadership do we truly honor? Do we celebrate those who uphold justice, or do we resist those who seek to oppress?

American history has been shaped by leaders who both upheld and denied justice. While presidents like Abraham Lincoln fought to expand freedom, others have enforced policies that marginalized communities. The LGBTQ+ community has had to fight for every inch of progress—from the Stonewall riots to marriage equality—often against leaders who sought to erase us.

Today, we face new threats. Across the country, lawmakers are banning gender-affirming healthcare, censoring LGBTQ+ history, and criminalizing queer existence. These actions are not just about policy; they are about power, control, and the systematic erasure of marginalized people.

We cannot afford to pretend that what is happening in the U.S. is politics as usual. The rise of authoritarian leaders pushing anti-LGBTQ+ policies is part of a broader attack on democracy itself. Fascism thrives on scapegoating vulnerable groups, restricting freedoms, and silencing dissent. If we do not resist now, the consequences will be catastrophic—not just for LGBTQ+ people but for everyone.

How to Fight Back:

1. Vote and Mobilize – The LGBTQ+ community and allies must organize, vote in every election, and push for leaders who uphold human rights. 
2. Support LGBTQ+ Organizations – Groups like the Trevor Project, Lambda Legal, and the ACLU are on the front lines, fighting for our rights. 
3. Challenge Hate in Our Communities – Whether in churches, schools, or workplaces, we must speak out against anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and policies.
4. Engage in Peaceful Protest – From Pride marches to demonstrations, public action remains a powerful tool against oppression. 
5. Uplift and Protect One Another – In times of rising hate, mutual aid and community care are essential. No one should have to fight alone. 

Presidents' Day should not just be about honoring the past—it should be about shaping the future. We must demand leaders who fight for justice, not those who spread fear and division. The presidency should be a position of service, not oppression. If those in power refuse to uphold human dignity, then it is our duty to resist them with everything we have.

The LGBTQ+ community has always been resilient. We have survived persecution, discrimination, and violence. And we will continue to fight. Presidents' Day can be a reminder that leadership is not just about those in office—it’s about all of us, standing together, building a future where love, justice, and equality prevail. This year, let Presidents' Day be a call to action. The fight is far from over, but we are not alone. Together, we will resist. Together, we will win. 

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Let Us Not Forget

Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.

— Deuteronomy 4:9

Throughout Scripture, we are reminded of the importance of honoring those who came before us—our ancestors, mentors, and spiritual forebears. Their struggles, sacrifices, and faithfulness shape who we are today. For the LGBTQ+ community, this truth carries deep meaning. We stand on the shoulders of those who fought for dignity, justice, and inclusion—those who lived their truth despite discrimination, those who marched for equality, and those who created spaces of love and belonging. We honor them not just in memory, but in action—by continuing the work they started and ensuring that future generations inherit a world of greater love and acceptance.

Many LGBTQ+ individuals have suffered and died due to systemic injustice, oppression, and neglect. The AIDS crisis took the lives of countless people while governments and religious institutions turned their backs. Sodomy laws criminalized love and sent people to prison simply for being who they were. Many were cast out of their families and churches, denied healthcare, and left to die in isolation. In Matthew 5:4, Jesus tells us, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." We must remember them—not as victims, but as beloved children of God, as warriors of love, as sacred souls who deserved so much more than what the world gave them. Their lives mattered, and their memory calls us to action.

The LGBTQ+ rights we have today exist because of those who risked everything to fight for them. The activists who protested government inaction during the AIDS crisis, the individuals who defied sodomy laws, the countless people who lived openly in times of deep persecution—all of them paved the way for the progress we see today. Psalm 145:4 says, "One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts." Honoring them means carrying their torch forward. It means fighting against modern forms of discrimination, advocating for better healthcare, and ensuring that queer and trans youth grow up in a world where they are loved, safe, and valued.

This week, the National Park Service made significant changes to the Stonewall National Monument's website, removing references to transgender and queer individuals. The updated site now mentions only "LGB" communities, omitting the "T" and "Q" from the LGBTQ+ acronym. This action aligns with an executive order from our disgraceful current president, which mandates a strict binary definition of sex as male or female. The Stonewall National Monument commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, a pivotal event in LGBTQ+ history, significantly led by transgender women of color. The recent alterations have sparked widespread criticism, stating that erasing transgender history dishonors the community's contributions to the LGBTQ+ rights movement and ignores the essential role transgender activists played in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. 

Psalm 112:6 states, "The righteous will be remembered forever." True honor is not just remembering—it’s living in a way that reflects the love, justice, and truth of those who paved the way. For LGBTQ+ Christians, this means embracing who God created us to be, showing love to others, and working to make our faith communities more inclusive. It also means demanding justice. The AIDS crisis taught us that silence equals death. Sodomy laws taught us that unjust policies must be challenged. Our faith teaches us that love must be louder than hate, and justice must be pursued with unshakable faith.

We need to give thanks for those who have come before us—the LGBTQ+ pioneers, the activists, and the everyday heroes who fought for justice and dignity. We must remember those who were taken too soon by AIDS, by state violence, by unjust laws, and by a world that refused to see their worth. We should honor their legacy by living boldly, loving fully, and advocating for those who still face discrimination. Deuteronomy 4:7–9 says, “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.” Let us not forget.

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Moment of Zen: Coffee/Tea

While my guess is that most of these guys are drinking coffee, I always have a morning cup of tea.