Love is an Orientation
For all of you around the world who were not able to make it to our recent Living in the Tension Large Group Event about Intersex, Sexuality and the Church – featuring intersex individual PD Williams – held at Roscoe’s Bar in Boystown, here is the video.
Living In The Tension from luke johnson on Vimeo.
I’d love to hear some of your thoughts on what PD said. This is the 1st video resource that I know of looking into Intersex life and Church. Feel free to use this as you see fit…
Also, here is a copy of the questions that were asked throughout our interview:
Intro:
What is The Marin Foundation?
What is Living in the Tension?
Questions for PD:
I. Intersex
What is Intersex?
What genetically composes an intersex person?
Do you know of any factors that help cause intersex genetics?
Are there any particular health issues that come with male and female genetic make-up?
-What health issues are expected for intersex?
-What health issues do you personally have?
II. Identity
When did you find out you were intersex?
And how did you find out?
How did you identify yourself growing up – male or female?
Did your family have any decision in which gender you were raised as?
How do you identify yourself today – male or female?
Why?
Do you feel like you belong in any community of people now? Gay, Mainstream or Church?
Have you ever been in a relationship?
Which one would you choose – male or female?
Which bathroom do you use?
What has been the most difficult part of being intersex?
What has been the most rewarding part of being intersex?
What do you want for your future?
III. Family
How did your family react when they found out about your genetic make-up?
How did they treat you?
During your childhood, did others know of your genetic make-up and how did they treat you?
Now as an adult, how do your family and friends treat you?
What about everyday life or acquaintances?
How do you tell someone you’re intersex?
Is that a strange conversation? Do you ever get used to it?
What do you say to someone who asks if you’re a guy or a girl?
IV. Faith
When did you find God?
What drew you to the Christian faith?
What have your experiences been with the Christian community?
What has the church told you in the past?
What have your experiences been in everyday life? Any difference?
Was it hard to find friends?
Inside the church?
Outside the church?
V. Practical Applications: Churches, pastors, gay community
What can the church do to make you feel loved and accepted?
Bathrooms? Bible Studies? Men/Woman Groups? Serving in the church?
What can pastors do to assist in your spiritual development?
What advice would you give them to understand people in your situation better?
What can the LGBT community do to make you feel loved and accepted?
What advice would you give them?
Why do you keep fighting to have a relationship with the Church when so many have just kicked you out? You must have a lot of faith? What drives you?
Much love.
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