Closing Blessing from "Coming Out and Coming Home: A Celebration of National Coming Out Day"

In her teaching on Coming Out and Coming Home: A Celebration of National Coming Out Day, Katie Imborek closed the service with the following blessing:

Blessed are the boys who wear their mama’s high heels and paint their fingernails.  

Blessed are the girls who play football and hate wearing dresses.   

Blessed are those who refuse to conform to society’s rules around gender.  

Blessed are those who were born intersex.  

Blessed are those whose parents refuse to use the correct name.  Or pronouns. You have been made in God’s image and Jesus blesses you.  

Blessed are those who have been rejected by friends or family when they have come out.  

Blessed are those who are closeted. 

Blessed are those who identify as lesbian or gay but choose to be celibate. 

Blessed are those whose LGBTQ identity is invisible.  Or questioned. Or made into political footballs. You are of God and Jesus blesses you. 

Blessed are those who have been kicked out of their homes for coming out.  

Blessed are those who have been forced out of their church for coming out.  

Blessed are those who have lost jobs when they have come out.  

Blessed are those whose parents refused to attend their weddings.  You are of heaven and Jesus blesses you.  

Blessed are those who have fought for gender neutral bathrooms.  And for options other than male or female. And for marriage equality.  

Blessed are those children who have a mommy and a mama.  

Blessed are those children with two daddies.  

Blessed are those who have stood up to systems and organizations with anti-LGBTQ policies.  Even if it meant losing friends. Or jobs. Or community. Yours is the kindom of God and Jesus blesses you.  

Blessed are those who have lived with a secret.  Those who have been told that they are wrong. Or perverse.  Or shameful.  

Blessed are those who have felt they had to choose between falling in love and being loved by God.  

Blessed are those who have been lost and have been found.  You are children of God and Jesus loves you.  

Amen.