By Brenda Nava
Community members shared their stories and struggles at a gathering at St. John’s Lutheran Church on National Coming Out Day, October 11. Originally set to take place at Stonewall National Monument, known for its importance during the LGBTQ+ fight for civil rights, the event was moved to St. Johns due to heavy rain. So many people signed up to share that not everyone got to speak in the two-hour event. It was an event filled with singing, laughter, tears, and love.
The first singer of the night offers his rendition of Cyndi Lauper’s “ True Colors.”
“I am lucky to be here in uniform,” said CJ, a transgender NYPD officer. “For me coming out was not just one moment. It wasn’t one conversation; it wasn’t even one identity. I came out twice. And I continually come out, sharing my story and being visible.” CJ said that he was disowned and struggled for many years to find his true identity.
Tracy Gilcrest traveled from Los Angeles and spoke about the importance of queer media for the community. “I never saw myself depicted in the media,” she says. “Not seeing myself on the screen anywhere, deeply impacted me. I couldn’t envision a future for myself… so I never planned a future.”
Despite the harsh weather, the church pews were filled with people, including those hoping to share their experience and others who were there to offer support.
“Miss Marjorie” made a big entrance. The crowd erupted in clapping and cheers. She recounted her love story with her now-wife and coming out in the 1970s.
Miss Marjorie said she still feels like a newlywed at 85. She walked down the aisle with her wife, Kara, in the dress she wore at her wedding.
“I believed what the pastor told me,” said Tim. “There was no place for someone like me in the church.” Tim spoke about growing up in a church and struggling to reconcile his religion and his sexuality. He described attending conversion camp three times in eight years before finally coming to terms with his sexuality while continuing to practice the religion he loves.
The youngest speaker talks about transitioning despite his young age.
People joined in as Kira, the evening’s last performer, sang “Unruly Heart,” from the Broadway musical The Prom.