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Definition of sacrifice- to suffer loss of, give up, renounce, injure, or destroy especially for an ideal, belief, or end.

Today, Memorial Day, is a designated day of remembrance for those brave men and women who gave their lives in the defense and service of this country. I have much to say about this and about what is going on now but could not say it any better than my writing partner, Laura Fanning, did!!
So instead I’ll briefly shine a light on another group of victimized people and that is the LGBTQ community. The right to be able to be who they are is being attacked every day by all manner of their fellow citizens including conservative media, politicians, business owners who refuse them service, and most inexplicably of all, by so-called “compassionate” and devout Christians. Being able to be truly who you are, if it does no harm. should not require sacrifice-
And yet here we are.
For years now my daughter and I have worked on many holidays with a group called Tenderloin Tess. It was started by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a leading-edge order of queer and trans nuns. Since the 1970’s they have worked tirelessly to improve the conditions of people suffering from homelessness and poverty here in San Francisco. As just one example, their outreach through Tenderloin Tess provides a sit-down meal on major Christian holidays for the most needy in our city. The homeless and those in need start lining up in the early morning hours on Franklin Street at the Unitarian Church. They are greeted by a host, ushered to tables beautifully set and orders are taken. After they have been served a multi-course hot meal and have eaten they have access to free haircuts provided by volunteers and are given an opportunity to “shop” for new clothing. The Sisters are there talking to the children, passing out goody bags and helping wherever they are needed. A drag queen floor show entertains with show tunes, carols or sing-alongs accompanied by a pianist and, at times, other musicians spontaneously join in playing horn or guitar. It’s simply joyful.
This is the group that the Dodgers baseball team invited to their Pride game in LA, and then uninvited several days later at the outrageous request of the LA Catholic Archdiocese.
I have a friend, a USF professor, who wrinkled his nose and asked me why “those gays, like the Sisters” are always drawing attention to themselves? “Nobody cares if they’re gay.” he insisted. No one cares as long as they look and act straight is maybe what he meant?
In Laura Fanning’s piece she says “I don’t want any more young people to die in the name of my liberty, either here at home or abroad.” I could not agree more. I would add that seeing whole groups of caring, good citizens marginalized for living their lives and speaking their truth, is also heartbreaking.