Too often lately, there have been too many stories of LGBT people and allies being fired from Catholic institutions because of their identities, marriages, or support of LGBT equality. So, it’s a refreshing change to report on a case where an out gay man is serving safely and successfully at a Catholic school and has only positive things to report about his experience.
Keith Johnston leads the band at Sacred Heart University.
“When I started at Sacred Heart University 14 years ago, despite having been out for a lot of years, I came in with a pre-conceived notion of how my Catholic college students would react to a gay director. While the administration that hired me was aware I was gay, I’m not Catholic, and I wasn’t experienced enough at that time to know how – or even if – I should integrate the personal side of who I am as a person into my teaching.
“Take the usual uncertainty that many young gay men and women have, add in a few comments about “band geeks” and “band nerds” (often coming from a high school sports team), and you have a recipe for stunting the emotional and personal growth of thousands of kids – harsh words and sentiments that could set them back for years.
“Each of us has worth and dignity, and that worth includes our gender and our sexuality. My door is always open to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
“Sexuality and gender is a spiritual gift.
“All of who you are is sacred.
I can’t think of any better expression of Catholic values about humankind, identity, and hospitality. I think Pope Francis has, in other ways, expressed those same values.
I also can’t think of a better argument for why Catholic institutions, especially schools, should continue to employ LGBT people. The gifts they bring from their personal struggle and growth are a blessing to all they serve.
New Ways Ministry’s Eighth National Symposium, Justice and Mercy Shall Kiss: LGBT Catholics in the Age of Pope Francis, is scheduled for April 28-30, 2017, Chicago, Illinois. For more information, visit www.Symposium2017.org.
An inspiring story from a truly inspired and self-integrated man. But would his employment even have begun, much less continued, had he been Catholic?