Gaudete!

I didn't know being LGBT and Catholic was an option! I've always been so drawn to the Catholic imagery and styles of worship and the concept of good works, but have never felt welcome in that space. I attend a United Church because it is the only affirming church near me. I also, like many queer youth, rejected the faith in my teens because of that sense of unwelcomeness. How do you do it?? And does the Pope accept people like us?

Hi! First of all, I'm so happy that you have found an affirming church, and hope you are well.

I know many out-and-proud LGBT+ Catholics, at varying levels of observance. Still, I understand why the Church feels unwelcoming to you. It is as an institution unwelcoming to LGBT+ folks.

But information on this topic is freely available. I'd rather talk about why I'm Catholic.

I am attracted to Catholicism because of the Eucharist, the Sacraments, the Saints. The Acts of Mercy. Mary, Mother of God. The self-doubt of Jesus Christ, as God's son and God made flesh. The traditions. The intellectual and artistic history. The potential for the Church (and those aligned with it) to do evil, and the moral imperative this creates. A God that renounces power, that is present in our living world, not only in the Eucharist. Compassion and passion and the call to never harden our hearts.

As a survivor, Catholicism has felt very liberating. Because my God is both of the world and so much greater than it, no living man has dominion over me. I have inherent dignity and free will.

I sometimes go to Latin Mass, and attend Dignity Mass. I pray daily and keep a Rosary. I try to do good and be grateful, and understand that others may judge me (for many reasons) but that I have an obligation to be salvific. I still date women (as often as I date men) and just try be the best person that I can be. Catholics that inspire me include: Dorothy Day, St. Francis, Sophie Scholl, Irena Sendler, St. Edith Stein, St. Max. Kolbe, Franz Jaegerstatter, St. Olga, Simone Weil, St. Oscar Romero, St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Joan of Arc, St. Theresa of Avila, and more.

Also: Mychal Judge, OFM. A gay man and Chaplain to the NYC Fire Department, he exemplified (imho) the best aspects of Catholicism.

I hope that this answered at least a few of your questions, and that you are able to surround yourself with affirming/loving people, as you deserve. Much love from a fellow LGBT+ person of faith, during this holiday season.