May 2016 Dateline

Monthly News Bulletin
May 2016
Vol. 25 No. 5
DignityUSA works for respect and justice for people of all sexual orientations, genders, and gender identities—especially gay,
lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons—in the Catholic Church and the world through education, advocacy, and support.
Highlights in this issue:
We Hear Them Speaking in our own Tongues
DignityUSA Board of Directors Elections
"Amoris Laetitia" (The Joy of Love) Offers
No Joy for LGBTQ Catholics, Families
Development News
Dignity Young Adult Caucus Retreat
Marcia Garber Speaks at Trans Forum
A Long Road, but a Worthy Journey
Letter from Dignity/Pittsburgh
Sharon Guild-Stitt Wins National Award
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“We Hear Them Speaking in our
own Tongues”
By Marianne DuddyBurke, DignityUSA
Executive Director
This month, we
close the Easter Season
with the celebration of
Pentecost. I love this
feast, and the infusion of
fiery Spirit into all of the
original disciples. The
ability of people who
have gathered from many
parts of the world to hear
and understand the Good
News, and for the newly daring disciples to witness
in a variety of languages, has such richness!
In the last week, I have read reactions to
Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation A moris Laetitia
from theologians, bishops, LGBTQ people,
journalists, and justice activists around the globe.
(Read DignityUSA’s press release on A moris
Laetitia on page 3.) They have ranged from grateful
embrace, to partial affirmation, to bitter rejection.
The only thing that seems clear is that the impact of
this document will be measured by how it is
understood and implemented in the months and
years to come. And the document incorporates the
Pentecost spirit in its insistence that “cultures are in
fact quite diverse and every general principle…
needs to be enculturated, if it is to be respected and
applied.”
Some have suggested that A moris Laetitia
offers great hope to LGBTQ people and our families
when it states, “We would like before all else to
reaffirm that every person, regardless of sexual
orientation, ought to be respected in his or her
dignity and treated with consideration, while ‘every
sign of unjust discrimination’ is to be carefully
avoided, particularly any form of aggression and
violence.” (Italics mine) Longtime Church-watchers
will recognize that the first part of the sentence is
identical to language from 1986 and 1992 Vatican
letters that sought to limit the rights of gay people
(they did not mention bisexual and transgender
folk). What is new here is the admonishment to
avoid aggression and violence. Some writers,
theologians, and activists believe this is a message to
African officials, in particular, and in general to all
who support the criminalization of, and violence
towards, our community. They see this as putting the
Vatican on the side of those working for essential
human rights for LGBTQ people.
I believe this is entirely insufficient as a
statement of inclusion, and condemnation of
violence. And I wonder how it is heard in the
language and experience of these colleagues:
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A Nigerian asylum seeker now living in my
home state whom I’ll call Terrence, who
helped lead a support group of fewer than
two dozen gay and lesbian people, and who
fled after his co-leaders were arrested and
beaten.
Nicole, an intersex woman from El Salvador
who was one of our Pilgrims to the World
Meeting of Families, who came to the U.S.
after surviving two attempts on her life, and
losing colleagues in her advocacy to murder.
A young lesbian in South Korea who
traveled more than 6,600 miles to marry her
partner, a marriage kept secret to everyone
except one person in her country due to the
extreme anti-gay culture in which she lives.
The LGBTQ Catholics in India who have
been given access to a priest’s home on his
Continued on page 2
Dateline
May 2016
DignityUSA Board of Directors
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Continuation of We Hear Them Speaking, from page 1
Officers
Lewis Speaks-Tanner - President
Alice Knowles - Vice President
Bob Butts - Secretary
Glenn Crane - Treasurer

Directors
Sam Albano
Mary D.
Ray Panas
Allen Rose
Lauren Carpenter
Leo Egashira
Christopher Pett
Marie Sweeney
National Office
DignityUSA
PO Box 376
Medford, MA 02155-0004
Voice: 202-861-0017 or 800-877-8797
Fax: 781-397-0584
www.dignityusa.org
[email protected]
http://facebook.com/DignityUSA
http://twitter.com/DignityUSA
Staff
Marianne Duddy-Burke – Executive Director
[email protected]
Voice: 617-669-7810
Peggy Burns – Operations Manager
[email protected]
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day off, so they can meet for social support. Due
to the pressures they face, many pretend to be
cleaners or repair people working at the home
when they arrive.
The Russian gay men I met whose bodies were
covered in scars from burns and cuts suffered
from bottles and torches hurled at them as they
marched in Pride events, and who spoke about
how anti-LGBTQ fervor is fueled by homilies at
many churches.
The dozens of LGBTQ employees and
volunteers who have been terminated from jobs
at Catholic parishes, schools, and service
agencies because of their identities or marriages.
I’ve had the chance to talk a bit about A moris Laetitia
with some of these folks, all of whom felt its
condemnation of violence fell short of what they felt
would be needed to change culture and law. I don’t
know how the others responded, but these are among
the people who hoped for Good News, and whom I
believe failed to hear it in this document.
Pentecost reminds us, though, that the Gospel is
proclaimed not by a single voice, but by many. Each of
us has been enflamed with the Spirit, and each of us can
offer hope, truth, and love to all who long to hear the
voice of the Divine.
On this month of Mothers’ Day, DignityUSA
celebrates all the mothers, grandmothers, and nurturers
among our members and friends.
Logan Bear -- Technology Services Manager
[email protected]
DignityUSA Board of Directors Election
Dateline & QV: Quarterly Voice Publications Team
Leo Egashira – Publications Committee Chair
[email protected]
Samuel L. Reeder – Editor
[email protected]
Peggy Burns – Proofreader
Paul Keaveney – Proofreader
DignityUSA is a not-for-profit religious corporation
organized under U.S. IRS Service Code 501(c)(3).
It is that time of year again. We will be electing four (4) individuals to serve on the National Board
of Directors. Their term will begin on October 1st.
Each term of office is two years.
Ballots for the DignityUSA Board of Directors
election will be sent via Survey-Monkey and U.S mail
this month.
Although there are just four candidates for the
open four Board positions, write-ins are also allowed.
Please note that no member can cast more than four
total votes. All members are encouraged to vote to fill
the at-large Director seats open this year.
Frank D’Amore, Dignity/Detroit
Board Election Committee Chair
Dateline
May 2016
DignityUSA Press Release
"Amoris Laetitia" (The Joy of Love) Offers
No Joy for LGBTQ Catholics, Families
April 8, 2016, Boston, Massachusetts
Pope Francis’ long-anticipated response to two
sessions of a world-wide Synod on the Family, an
Apostolic Exhortation entitled “Amoris Laetitia” (The
Joy of Love), is a tremendous disappointment to
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer
(LGBTQ) Catholics and their families, says
DignityUSA, a leading organization of Catholics
committed to LGBTQ equality.
“In this document, Pope Francis has continued
the characterization of LGBTQ people as unable to
fully reflect the fullness of God’s plan for humanity,”
said Marianne Duddy-Burke, DignityUSA’s Executive
Director. “We had hoped for much more, and many,
many people are profoundly disappointed today.
“While in many areas, the Pope urges respect
for individual conscience, and pastoral flexibility,
when it comes to same-sex relationships and gender
identity questions, Francis simply reiterates the longstanding teachings of the Church. There is no
flexibility. He says same-sex relationships are in no
way equal to marriage between a man and a woman,
and that gender must be respected as created. The
document also talks about the situation of families
‘whose members include persons who experience
same-sex attraction, a situation not easy for either
parents or children.’ There is no recognition that
embracing and affirming LGBTQ family members can
bring grace and wholeness to a family,” said DuddyBurke.
DignityUSA also expressed frustration that
while Amoris Laetitia calls for respect for the dignity
of all people regardless of sexual orientation, and the
avoidance of ‘unjust discrimination,’ there is no strong
call for an end to anti-LGBTQ violence, for Church
officials to avoid inflammatory statements against the
LGBTQ community, or for a clear statement that
LGBTQ people and supporters are welcome to
participate in the Church’s sacramental life and
ministries. “While the Pope acknowledges the Church
has been too rigid in other areas, there is no repentance
when it comes to LGBTQ people. We need to see
changes in teaching and practice before we can move
forward,” said Duddy-Burke.
Duddy-Burke also noted that the document
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repeats a falsehood that was part of previous Synod
reports. “It is absolutely untrue that international
development aid from Western nations is conditional on
support for same-sex marriage. The repetition of such a
claim in the Pope’s statement lends unfortunate
credibility to something that is simply untrue.”
“Clearly, Church officials, up to and including
Pope Francis, still have little idea of the reality of
LGBTQ people’s faith, lives, and family situations. This
document continues to demonstrate a tragic ignorance.
Many LGBTQ people and families have offered to share
their experience with Church officials, and often get a
deaf ear. This document reflects that sad reality,” said
Duddy-Burke.
Development News
Hi my name is Ashley
Schrode. I began attending
Dignity/Detroit in 2012.
Since then, I have taken a
more active part in
DignityUSA as well. I began
participating in the Young
Adult Caucus and have met
some truly inspiring people of
faith. Most recently I have
joined the Development
Committee to assist in
continuing to cultivate ways
to fund the work DignityUSA does.
DignityUSA is a part of my life, but not only
because I am a social worker and the social justice
values of Dignity align very closely with my own. But,
also because when I met my, now fiancée, almost five
years ago I was uncertain whether I could remain in a
loving same sex relationship and continue to be a "good
Catholic." When we connected with Dignity, both on a
local and national level, it was confirmed almost
instantly that not only are we accepted, but celebrated
within this faith-based community. The support and
acceptance I felt at that time, and continue to feel, has
allowed my faith and personal relationship with God to
grow stronger than I ever thought possible.
As a young adult still building my career, the
funds are not always accessible to contribute financially.
However, I do have time and energy! That is in part how
I support this mission. It is important to remember we all
have something meaningful to give. I want to suggest
how you can become involved with time, money, or
Continued on page 4
Dateline
May 2016
Continuation of Development News, from page 3
resources within DignityUSA.
First, June is Pride Month which brings many
opportunities to contribute, march, raise your voice,
and be in community with one another. Pride month
may also provide a platform to talk more openly to
friends, family members, or supporters of the LGBTQ
community about DignityUSA and your own
commitment to bringing about change in our society
and in our church.
Also, our Young Adult Caucus (DYAC) is
sponsoring its biennial Leadership Conference,
scheduled for July 29-31, 2016 in Chicago. This
conference brings together an energized group of
young adults from across the country to be in
community and develop leadership skills. This is also
a wonderful opportunity for individuals without a
home chapter to meet fellow members and nonmembers.
Finally, please consider making a gift today to
DignityUSA. Or when you receive information about
our Pride Appeal or the DYAC Leadership
Conference, please consider making a gift at that time
to help us continue to be the voice and advocates for
LGBTQ Catholics.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my
thoughts with the larger DignityUSA community!
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Dignity Young Adult Caucus Retreat
July 29-31, 2016
By Kenneth Dowling
Dignity's Young Adult Caucus (DYAC) is
planning its third biennial retreat in Chicago this July 29
-31, called "Telling Our Stories, Creating Our
Home." The spiritual director will be Judy Brown of
Wisconsin, founder of The Hesed Project,
www.thehesedproject.com.
At the 2011 DignityUSA convention, the young
adults present enjoyed the connections we made so
much that we resolved to hold a DYAC national retreat
in 2012, in Newark. In 2014, more than 30 of us held
another fantastic retreat in Washington, D.C. (See photo
below.) This summer, we'll meet again, to strengthen
the friendships we've forged over the years and to renew
our commitment to DignityUSA, whose chapters and
central leadership mean so much to us. We'll return to
our home chapters spiritually renewed in our faith and
our fellowship. We will also be renewed in our vision to
keep engaging in LGBTQ Catholic advocacy around the
country and keep growing Dignity as an indispensable
presence in a Church that still sorely need us.
All young adult LGBTQ Catholics are invited to this
retreat, not just Dignity members. Interested young
adults (under age 35) can register at https://
www.dignityusa.org/civicrm/event/info?id=81&reset=1,
Continued on page 5
Dateline
May 2016
Continuation of Dignity Young Adult Caucus Retreat, from page 4
and share the event with friends at https://
www.facebook.com/events/1053494118023186/.
DignityUSA members who are interested in
supporting the retreat financially can visit https://
dignityusa.org/donate, where your gifts will help pay
for attendees' transportation and lodging. As young
people, most of us don't have the means
ourselves. Also, consider having your chapter sponsor
some of your young adults.
As the youngest members of Dignity chapters
around the country, we are the next generation of
Dignity. In not too long, we DYAC members will be
passed the torch to become the face of DignityUSA
and LGBTQ Catholicism to the world. This retreat is
our chance to rekindle the flame! We look forward to
seeing a lot of familiar and new faces there."
Dignity/Boston Member and Trans Activist
Marcia Garber Speaks at Trans Forum
Dignity/Boston’s own Marcia Garber
presented at North Shore Community College’s 36th
Forum on Tolerance, April 14 & 15. North Shore
Community College (NSCC) is one of 15 community
colleges in Massachusetts. It’s located just north of
Boston with campuses in Danvers, Lynn, and
Middleton. The College has held forums on various
topics related to social justice including LGBTQ
people and the Catholic Church, aging, coming out,
and this current forum on
transgender issues.
Marcia’s personal
story touched the hearts of
many. Our college community
has shared with each other the
power of Marcia’s
presentation, making a
difference in the lives of our
community. As both presenter
and participant, Marcia
shares her thoughts here:
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her life experience with an extremely attentive audience.
A Navy veteran, trans activist, and member of the
Native American community, she captured the essence
of her journey at this particularly challenging time for
those of the transgender community.
Dr. Tiffany Magnolia and Dr. Kara Kaufman
followed with their informative presentations related to
history of language, gender, and sexuality and their
limits of fitting inside "The Box.”
The final panel, a parent of a trans person, a
NSCC openly trans student, and the Executive Director
of the North Shore Alliance of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual
and Transgender Youth shared their "Stories From The
Heart."
The second day of the forum’s topic was Safe
Zone Training presented by Brian Falter, Assistant
Coordinator of Student Life.
I was delighted to participate in this forum,
especially at this contentious time in her/history. The
audience had ample opportunity to share stories and ask
questions. Further information may be found at
www.northshore.edu/tolerance.
Education is key to moving beyond tolerance to
acceptance.
Submitted by Marcia Garber/ CJ's Mom
Introduction by David Houle, NSCC staff and Dignity/
Boston member
Marcia Garber
This year’s forum topic
was "Thinking Outside the
Gender Box."
Alishia Ouellette , the
keynote speaker, and the first
Massachusetts firefighter to
transition on the job, shared
Marcia Garber is seated front right
Dateline
May 2016
A Long Road, but a Worthy Journey
By Marcia Garber, Dignity/Boston member, Trans
Caucus member
Howdy from a Listening Parent at Fortunate
Families! My name is Marcia Garber and I am a proud
parent of two beautiful souls, one who lives and one
who lives in spirit.
Who would have thought that since my
husband, Ken and I had the honor and privilege to
meet Mary Ellen and Casey Lopata, founders of
Fortunate Families, at the DignityUSA Convention
celebrating 40 years in 2009, together we all would
have come so far??!!
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I never imagined I would have attended the
World Meeting of Families last September in
Philadelphia to represent my child in this very
"Catholic" space in which members continue to
denounce and reject the reality of my child. I was proud
and privileged to participate as Equally Blessed, and to
stand for my child in the presence of this Pope. Perhaps,
with the grace of God, his heart will be changed.
Perhaps, as voices speak, ears will open. Perhaps, as
stories are shared, eyes and minds will too. It is
incumbent upon all of us to do all we can.
As is often said, "One step forward; two steps
back.” These days, great progress has been made and
unfortunately for some, much still needs to be
accomplished. The work is challenging, made light
only by the love and support of so many who
understand the imperative need of EQUALITY FOR
ALL.
If only our human family, with our collective
gift of grace, could embrace all. What a world it would
be for each human, filled with diversity shining in
creation. Each person has the power and responsibility
to work toward this common goal in our local
communities and on the state and federal levels. We
have witnessed the Supreme Court of the United
States rule that marriage is for ALL. Without the hard
work of so many, we never would have seen this done.
We must continue until all have what is needed
to live full lives. A culture shift inclusive of all our
diversity is required to end stigma; homelessness;
substance use; internal and external physical,
psychological and social oppressions; suicide;
isolation; unemployment; underemployment; lack of
educational opportunity, etc.; all stressors that need to
stop.
I am eternally grateful to my child, gifted to
me and this world, for opening eyes, ears, hearts, and
minds to the notion that gender identity and expression
is not limited, but limitless!
In 2012, Massachusetts enacted nondiscrimination legislation for transgender folks in
housing, education, credit, and employment. Further
legislation is pending for non-discrimination in public
spaces. Major changes in health care practices have
occurred.
Marcia is a Listening Parent in support of Fortunate
Families (http://fortunatefamilies.com/) as was her late
husband, Ken. They worked tirelessly for issues of
transgender (and LGBTQ) equality. They have been
recognized frequently for their work, including a 2011
Interfaith Pride Award, and the creation of the Ken
Garber Ally Advocacy Award. To read more about their
family story click here.
Dateline
May 2016
Letter from Dignity/Pittsburgh
April 7, 2016
Dear DignityUSA,
I joined Dignity/
Pittsburgh in the summer of
1981. We had 45-50
members. We met at St.
Pamphilus, a Roman Catholic
Church under the pastoral
care of Franciscan Friars. Now we are in 2016 and I
can truly say without hesitation that… “our Pittsburgh
chapter has finally grown to become a community, a
faith family.” For years we were struggling to become
a community.
In the last couple of years Rev. William (Bill)
and Donna Podobinski returned to our chapter.
Though actively absent for a couple years due to
health reasons, they always lovingly supported us in
prayer and financially since their initial association in
2001. Both of them and I are Board Directors for
CITI Ministries, Inc. CITI Ministries is an
organization that promotes the ministries of married
priests and building up of small faith communities.
Rev. Bill and Donna became our spiritual parents.
The Spirit worked with Bill, Donna, and our core
group to form our community, a family where all find
a place to call “home”.
Bill presides at our weekly celebration of our
Eucharistic Liturgy, occasionally with a guest
celebrant. We began to have more members of the
transgender community attend our liturgies. One
member said that when she first came to Dignity/
Pittsburgh, it was as she was beginning her transition,
and in need of a spiritual home. We were the family
she needed. Now she serves on our Council as our
Vice President along with our other dedicated Council
Members: Treasurer Donna B., Secretary Joe H.,
Community Representative Tom J, and yours truly as
our president.
We have been successful at having the
founding members of Dignity/Pittsburgh gather
together with our currently active members for an
annual Reunion Summer Picnic, as well as a Spring
Potluck Dinner. We also plan an outdoor Eucharistic
Liturgy at one of our member’s homes. Bill and
Donna P host a game night each Thursday evening for
our members and supporters. This past Holy
Thursday, those attending game night also celebrated
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Eucharist together with the simplicity of those who
gathered with Jesus at His Last Supper. Donna P
provides us with a “spiritual snack” seven times a day in
an email to help us remain centered in our indwelling
source of peace and love, Jesus’ Spirit, through all
circumstances.
Three of our members, Donna B, and Bill and
Donna P, serve on the planning committee for the Circle
of Faith annual June Outdoor Program, which began
four years ago. This COF gathering is a public interfaith
welcome and inclusion program for LGBT individuals,
their families, and their allies in the Pittsburgh area.
I am Dignity’s representative for Shepherd
Wellness which is a community in service and ministry
for those affected by HIV/AIDS. We are also blessed to
have Shepherd Wellness’ founder FR Lynn C. Edwards
joining us for our Sunday evening liturgies and socials.
We have helped in the Pittsburgh area in the
service and feeding of our homeless population. During
our Sunday evening social following liturgy, Donna P
prepares a “one-pot-meal” for us to share along with
home-baked desserts.
We will be having a retreat this May, facilitated
by our past spiritual director and president.
We have welcomed the incorporation of a
couple’s marriage vows with a ceremony during our
Sunday evening Eucharistic celebrations with the
supportive presence of our faith community.
We are glad to have a relationship with
DignityUSA and look forward to more networking.
Sincerely,
Patrick Journety
President, Dignity/Pittsburgh
Dignity/Pittsburgh meets for liturgy every Sunday at
5:00 p.m. at the Church of the Redeemer, 5700 Forbes
Avenue, Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh PA, 15217.
For more information please visit our webpage
www.dignitypgh.org, call 412-362-4334, or send us an e
-mail [email protected].
Dateline
May 2016
Dignity/San Antonio’s Sharon Guild-Stitt
Awarded National Recognition
The Military and Government Counseling
Association’s Individual Notable Achievement Award
for 2016 went to Dignity/San Antonio member Sharon
Guild-Stitt. Sharon became a member and leader of
MGCA and its predecessor organization in 1987,
serving as its president in 2008.
Sharon spent
24 years in Civil
Service, including
stints in the Dept. of
Justice, Dept. of
Veteran Affairs, U.S.
Coast Guard, U.S. Air
Force, as well as the
Texas Dept. of Human
Rights.
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May Chapter Anniversaries
Congratulations!
San Fernando Valley – 20
Northern Virginia – 24
Integrity/Dignity Madison – 39
As an educator,
Sharon was an Adjunct Professor at Palo Alto College
in San Antonio, Texas, for 11 years before her time
with the government. Most recently she was part-time
faculty with Northeast Lakeview College in 2014.
Living Beatitudes Community, Dayton – 41
Congratulations, Sharon! Dignity/San Antonio
and DignityUSA are proud of your achievements and
service to our country.
Detroit – 42
Philadelphia – 43
Chicago – 44
San Diego – 44