We sat across a table at Panera, with steaming cups of coffee in our hands. He had contacted me via Facebook and asked to meet.
"I'm gay," he said without shame or reservation. He'd been living his best life; filled with joy and authenticity in a large American city. Now he had returned home to Maryland, close to his family after living on his own. He was feeling stifled and judged. "My family does not accept who I am...I am not sure God loves me for who I am."
My heart broke.
He was lonely and isolated. How could he deal with all of this negative energy on his own?
"Have you heard of Kinship?" I asked.
"No," he replied. "What is that?"
I smiled for the first time. "Kinship is what is going to save you, and get through this dark time."
Kinship International is an LGBTQ+ organization that has been around for about thirty years. Most of the members align with the beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. If you question your identity or search for community, contact Kinship directly, or message me, and I will help you get connected.