Thread by @ReidWilliamEyre

I not only grew up in the church, but there was a time where I envisioned no other life for myself than ministry. So I can tell you with absolute certainty that if a pastor had offered me the opportunity to “pray the gay away”– I would have not only consented, I would have begged

I know this because I spent *years* crying myself to sleep, praying, begging God to make me straight. I don’t talk about it much, and maybe I should.
#SLont #lgbtq #sarnia #sarnialambton #faith (2/11)

But even growing up in the United Church of Canada– one of the most progressive out there– I was ashamed, I was disgusted by own existence, and I would have given anything to change.

#SLont #lgbtq #sarnia #sarnialambton #faith (3/11)

I would have endured horrendous practices to be “normal”, I would have relished that opportunity in the stray hope that I could change. But it doesn’t work that way. And while I know that now– I didn’t then.

#SLont #lgbtq #sarnia #sarnialambton #faith (4/11)

I didn’t until LONG after I had "come out". So when I see the changes to Bill C-6 on "conversion therapy" that MP Gladu is supporting, I have to speak up, because they terrify me.

#SLont #lgbtq #sarnia #sarnialambton #faith (5/11)

They terrify me because I know *precisely* what someone will consent to in an effort to feel normal. And we need to protect one other, not only from themselves, but from the culture of judgement that festers here in Sarnia Lambton and in many regions across the nation.

(6/11)

We owe each other that much.

#SLont #lgbtq #sarnia #sarnialambton #faith (7/11)

@MPMarilynGladu: you do not understand what you are talking about, not from all sides, all voices. That is not your fault, but I implore to learn. To speak to all faith leaders before you speak to the press, let alone the House.

#SLont #lgbtq #sarnia #sarnialambton #faith (8/11)

@MPMarilynGladu, that is your responsibility not only as an MP, but as a human being.

#SLont #lgbtq #sarnia #sarnialambton #faith (9/11)

And to the faith community I have on social media who I know would never support this– you need to speak up. We all do. Call, write, share, post. Show MP Gladu the love we have for one another, not the hate.

#SLont #lgbtq #sarnia #sarnialambton #faith (10/11)

1 John 4:16 “God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.”

#SLont #lgbtq #sarnia #sarnialambton #faith (11/11)