2017-06-14T12:41:54Ztag:sursumcorda.salemsattic.com,2018:/isso/thread/post/swimming-upstream-but-enjoying-the-rivertag:sursumcorda.salemsattic.com,2018:/isso/1372/47062017-06-14T12:41:54ZDiane Villafane<p>Understand, yes. Understanding comes from putting oneself in their shoes. However, I will not abide anyone's insistence that I must be like them or adopt their views. :D</p>tag:sursumcorda.salemsattic.com,2018:/isso/1372/47052017-06-13T14:07:27ZSursumCorda<p>Do you find that being &quot;comfortable in your own skin&quot; makes it easier to understand and accept those who are different from you?</p>tag:sursumcorda.salemsattic.com,2018:/isso/1372/47042017-06-13T12:03:53ZDiane Villafane<p>My relationship to the church has been a long one, since childhood. I have played the organ and sung for quite a number of denominations. After 10 years (during my 20's) in the most theologically and morally conservative church in Puerto Rico, where women are not allowed to wear pants, must only wear closed shoes, blouses with long sleeves, not cut their hair, not wear make-up or jewelry, men and women sit on opposite sides of the aisle, there are services every day of the week, including fasting, prayer, and vigils, and if you want to exercise any office (from usher to president of the council) you must attend at least 3 services a week, I swore I would never ever become a member of a church again. I gave up on organized religion, period. I would now describe myself as a New Age Zen Buddhist Jesusitarian.</p> <p>I did, however, continue my musical relationship to churches in general, worked as a church organist since age 15, and later, choir accompanist, and played weddings and funerals for everybody. When I was called by the heard of the Vestry of the St. John's Episcopal Cathedral Church in San Juan to substitute for an ailing elderly organist (ultimately becoming his assistant), I found that the Episcopal Church had become gay friendly. I became a member in 2015.</p> <p>Why is gay-friendly important to me? I have a gay half-brother, a gay cousin, a lesbian granddaughter, and I myself am bisexual. Bisexuality can easily fit into society. I married a man, and the issue of other partners has never come up, but my bisexuality has remained to this day. After witnessing the bullying and ostracism suffered by LGBTQ+ people over the years, I cannot, in any way be a part of any group that condones, ignores, or foments such viewpoints.</p> <p>Theologically, my views on who Jesus is and the meaning of His death are quite different from orthodox Christianity.</p> <p>I have never &quot;fit in&quot; either, and frankly, I prefer it that way. I am a happy a hermit. I know I am not &quot;alone&quot;. I am that I am. (&quot;Tat tvan asi.&quot;) I am God wearing Diane Villafane's face.</p> <p>People who are different must find a crossroads. Music can be such common ground.</p>