Gathered Here: This Month

June is a struggle in my head and heart. I was raised in a lesbian household in the 80s and 90s. Pride has never been glitter and fanfare to me, even rainbows seem a little foreign. I was raised on potlucks, pink triangles, tattooed Labryses, and amazing bookstores. I was raised by strong women with steel-toed boots, short spiky hair, and the most wonderful roars of laughter.

I don’t think I can make you understand how pride feels.

I would rather fist fight a TERF than drink beer in the park, but my heart knows that sitting on the grass, getting drunk with our beloveds is a sacred act of liberation.

My pride is timid and untrusting. I remember fear, threats, and violence. My pride is often overshadowed by the shame of knowing there is so much farther to go.

As I build Gathered Here, I am realizing my queer identity and my lesbian lineage are integral to this piece of software. Yes, it does feel bizarre to say that. Maybe this is my glitter and rainbows pride. My lesbian joy snuck into this congregation management system.

Gathered Here:

• Centers each person individually, allowing them to define family, household, and connections
• Listens for the wisdom of community, shaping the system through conversations and questions
• Creates structures of security and safety so we can be our whole selves
• Honors the joy of aging and the wisdom of youth
• Gives space for ritual and celebration
• Embraces naming, renaming, and the collecting beloved monikers, and
• Revels in the serious work of silliness, laughter, and play

Each of these is a reflection of the community who raised me and I will keep working to honor the women before me.

That first day, when you log in to Gathered Here, when you see your congregation’s beautiful community shining in the data, I hope you feel a little pride.

-Tie Resendiz de Perez
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***Keep an eye out for upcoming newsletters announcing July info sessions and congregation onboarding information.