Today is International Day Against Homophobia, Bi-phobia, and Transphobia and, in many parts of the world, there are prayer vigils being held in honour of victims who were brutally murdered or suffered violence and hate, at times even from members of their own family or faith communities.
Some still experience despair and go on living hidden, lonely lives. There are those, however, who have risen above people’s resentment and continued to believe in love, against all odds. These provide a much-needed beacon of hope that offers solace and enrichment amid the darkness of rejection. Because of these ‘wounded prophets’ who moved out of their pain into renewed places of love there were others who were encouraged to persevere. They are able to dream that, one day, they too will ‘come out’ to their parents and be loved and accepted for who they really are - gay, trans - all children of God. Clinging to this hope, they too would, one day, find a place of love and welcome, yes, even in their faith groups.
Thankfully, here in Malta LGBTIQ people have witnessed legislative doors being thrown wide open – but on the social side, discrimination is still rife.
Today, we have reason to rejoice and be grateful to those who have pioneered toward creating a climate of acceptance, affirming recognition of LGBTIQ persons and their families.
There is love beyond resentment, hope beyond rejection and joy beyond the tears
Malta ranks, for a second year in a row, topmost of ILGA (International Lesbian Gay Association), Europe’s rainbow index, yet, more must percolate down into our hearts, families and faith communities.
For eight years now, the Drachma Parents Group has been offering support to numerous parents who have made contact with us at their initial moment of shock, fear, inadequacy, loss, vulnerability and, at times, stigma and rejection, finding a safe space to learn and grow with others who too are in the same waters. It has provided a place of belonging, a living church that wiped away many a tear.
With God’s abundant grace, Drachma survived the tide of criticism and cynicism to live an era of hope, joy and utter love. We have witnessed families wrought with prejudice and homophobia, gradually morphing into families transformed and renewed.
Finally, they could look at each other in the eyes again but, this time, with unconditional love and warm affection. Today, these families admit they have resurrected and feel fortunate indeed to have been touched by this reality.
Many families found strength in the monthly meetings as they listened to other testimonies. Many have grown in their faith journey because they got back on track after letting go of their bitterness. Others consolidated and restored relationships that had gone cold and sour. Many have found new friendships and a sense of belonging while feeling excluded by long-standing friends.
But the most common experience we share is that our children have taught us what it means to truly love and to stand in defence of the vulnerable, the marginated, the minority and periphery groups.
It has been a learning curve for all of us and we have documented this in a book we are launching tonight called Uliedna rigal: 50 mistoqsija u tweġiba għal ġenituri ta’ wlied LGBTIQ (Our children are a gift: 50 questions and answers for parents of LGBTIQ children). We have included some of our testimonies to flavour this informative manual that is an ideal resource for parents, pastors, educators and other professionals.
It captures our typical Maltese culture in the face of this social reality. It offers food for thought and a platform for further study research. It offers and radiates hope and love. It is a work of love, half way through this jubilee year of mercy and, in the true spirit of Pentecost, we are being ‘sent out’ to spread the good news that there is love beyond resentment, hope beyond rejection and joy beyond the tears.
The Drachma Parents Book Launch is being held today at the University chapel at 7p.m. Allare welcome.
Joseanne Peregin is co-founder and coordinator of the Drachma Parents’ Group.