By Rev. Aaron Lauer

“Let us love one another because love is a gift from God.” – 1 John 4:7

I once had an acquaintance say to me, “Obviously, being gay isn’t a choice, because who would choose to be gay? It’s such a hard life, right?”

I had to take a deep breath and understand where my friend was coming from and what she was trying to say. Yes, growing up gay and living openly and authentically in your queer identity can be tough. As individuals and a community, we face many obstacles, exclusions, and plenty of hatred. 

But being a part of the LGBTQ+ community is also a beautiful gift. And, if I’m honest, I would choose it, even with all of the struggles that have come with it.

My queerness has taught me so many things about love, faith, joy, sex, health, service, justice, and hope. I’ve made so many friendships with such a diverse community of people because I’ve embraced who I am and have celebrated others for their journey. I’ve been able to persevere through struggles, see life in new and creative ways, and build solidarity with others on the road of life. 

Author and poet Ocean Vuong writes, “Being queer saved my life. Often we see queerness as deprivation. But when I look at my life, I saw that queerness demanded an alternative innovation from me. I had to make alternative routes; it made me curious; it made me ask, ‘Is this enough for me?’”

I pray that we all receive the gift of our identity, no matter what letter of the rainbow alphabet we are. The love that we share as a community truly is something to be shared and celebrated!  

Pastor Aaron 

UCC Fort Lauderdale