So many people these days say they are "spiritual but not religious." When asked what this means they tend to give examples rather than define terms. Some speak of peak experiences in nature, with music and art, food, lovemaking. Others say they believe there's a planetary spirit or universal oversoul which regulates life.
Some of us are spiritual and religious. When I lived in Manhattan, a significant percentage of males who were regular and active congregants in mainline churches were gay. This was especially true of churches with elaborate liturgies -- "smells and bells.". There was the Metropolitan Community Church, the Gay and Lesbian Synagogue, Dignity, and Integrity. New York was a good place to check out God.
Are we more inclined towards spirituality than straight men? Is there something in our psyches that compels us to seek answers, acceptance, solace? Howard Thurman, an influential African American preacher and theologian of the last century, subtitled his short book Jesus and the Disinherited. Are we all, employed or not, affluent or struggling, A-List or trailer park, deep down still the disinherited? Is there that in us which identifies with oppression, marginalization, depersonalization? Do these social pathologies drive us to seek a higher acceptance or integration? Do we seek enlightening to be able to reach equilibrium or a broader understanding of society's ills?
Our drive towards spirituality comes not only from our sense of difference and oppression. It also comes from the creative urge which bridging the male-female divide engenders. You don't have to refer to another man as "Miss Thing" to understand that camp, farce, outrageousness, color, and physical beauty are tools in the gay palette. We are the designers, choreographers, chefs, and lyricists as well as the teachers, nurses, 911 operators, and clergy. Our spirituality is in part a result of what songwriter Jacques Brel called our "brave new fuck you stance."
Wounded or outraged, gay men seek our place in the sun. And if we have to invent a religion to celebrate our acceptance by the God whom playwright Bruce Jay Friedman described as a Puerto Rican drag queen with plucked eyebrows wearing a silk komono (Steambath): gentlemen, to your knees!
Peter Schogol
I had the good fortune of meeting Peter and his partner John several months ago. I received a call on a Saturday morning from a man who wanted to discuss moving to Louisville and possibly purchasing a home. As a Realtor, I prepared as I normally would by gathering property information etc....we met at the Pita Hut, and over mint tea began to talk about what they wanted in regard to a home. It didn't take long for me to realize that my relationship with he and John would be one of business AND personal, they are both just nice folks. Peter, orginally from NYC and John, orginally from Eastern Kentucky now live in Lexington. John plays softball with the Gay Softball League in Louisville and as work allows Peter joins me in the stands to watch. They are both unassuming and quiet, but when they speak it is worth a listen. I asked Peter to be a "guest blogger" as I value his opinion and respect his intellect. They are unassuming and quiet but when they speak it is worth a listen.
This subject matter is one of interest to me. I have always been on what I consider a spiritual quest. My connection with the divine is important to me, but not easily defined. Please feel free to leave comments or questions.
Continued Bliss,
Jeff Johnson
JAJohnsonKY@gmail.com
