I'm In!

Faithful readers may remember me grousing about the lack of LGBT support and/or discussion at the annual church educators' convention I attended in February. I complained on Facebook too, and a friend responded, "You should teach a workshop about it." The idea wouldn't leave me alone, and I submitted a proposal within days of the deadline. A couple of weeks ago, a member of the selection committee called my boss and asked about my teaching style. My boss graciously gave a glowing report, having recently seen me in action for the very first time.

I just learned today that my proposal has been accepted. Woohoo! Here's the workshop blurb:

All God’s Children: Teaching Children About Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity

The headlines of teen suicides reveal the devastating impact of teasing and bullying based on orientation and gender. The Christian community has a responsibility to model respect and offer grace to all people, regardless of their differences. When is the right time and what are the right words for teaching about gender diversity and sexual orientation? Open and caring conversation helps children develop a foundation of acceptance—of themselves and others.

I have many months to develop the content and will need it, since I have not taught this subject before. I'll be asking lots of organizations for help, but I feel really good about being able to do this. The timing is excellent, as our denomination is in the process of voting to approve the ordination of LGBT individuals as elders and pastors. This subject has been in the spotlight for the past sixteen years and voted on three previous times. It is very likely that it will pass this time: the vote currently sits at 80 presbyteries for, 51 against. A simple majority of 87 is needed to pass, and voting ends in September, I believe. With this so much in our national church's headlines, my workshop is needed.

Wow. My heartrate is up. I need to get to work on this.