David's Journey

David Grogan shows up with enthusiasm for most everything Galileo Church does -- and now he's reflective about what showing up signifies. The occasion? The 2017 Pickle Palooza Parade in Mansfield. We can't say for sure, but we think this may be one of the more serious reflections to come out of that event...

I am not ashamed to speak aloud about my faith or my church. I have moved decidedly left, after years of being pretty moderate, theologically speaking. The church we are attending makes justice for LGBTQ people a priority. I'm not, by nature, an activist, but I have been more challenged by this church, and more engaged in scripture in this church, than I have in decades. Today, as I walked in a parade with my church, I experienced some things for the first time.

First, let me say that I am the embodiment of privilege. I am a white, heterosexual, cisgender male (if you have to look up cisgender, you're probably privileged, too). So I have never really experienced people being "against" me just for being myself.

As we walked through the parade route, many people cheered. Some looked at us askance. But some were a little rude. We heard, "Sinner!" We heard, "I'll pray for you!" to which I replied, "Same." We had people throw back the really cute rainbow bracelets we were handing out. It was a little bit uncomfortable.

But that was it. Uncomfortable. No one attacked us. No one tried to stop us, or hurt us. We, in my counting, had so many more people cheering us on and thanking us than we had disparaging us.

This is progress. It's slow and painful. But it's moving forward. And sometimes that's the best you can do. I salute all the people who have fought for ungiven rights, and I join you, as best I can.