today is ash wednesday, which signals the beginning of the Lenten season. for many Catholics, it’s a time of humility, reflection, and reaffirmation of our identity as children of God. normally i keep my religious beliefs off of my cyber profiles so that i don’t feel like i’m pushing any doctrine upon anyone. but today, i’ve decided to post these images of my ashes on my forehead.
i did this because when i was first beginning to process my sexuality, i thought that i was being condemned to Hell for being gay. the biggest struggle in coming out wasn’t to any of my friends or family members, but to myself because of the strict anti-homosexual viewpoints adopted by many members of the Christian / Catholic community. there’s always a widespread belief that religion and gays don’t mix—that they are natural enemies of one another.
i’m here to prove that our understanding of this age-old conflict can be dispelled. after many years of soul searching, i’ve discovered that it is possible to love God and be gay, to bridge the divide between these two forces. if you’d like to discuss this more in depth with me, i’m more than happy to do so. i want to be an example for young LGBT-identified individuals who may want to embrace religion but feel like they can’t because they would betraying either side. nobody but God has the power to judge you.
and with that, i pray that all those who have adopted Lenten promises with the intention of strengthening their faith in God succeed in their endeavors.
*p.s. my loving boyfriend snuck into the last photo without me knowing. hehe. when i pray, i thank God for bringing him into my life.
oh my goodness i look so bad here. but here’s to wishing you all a very deep and meaningful Lent
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