International LGBTQ+ Community Faces Real Threats & Death
Submitted by Ann Castiglione
Sr. Tracy Horan, who has worked with migrants for over a decade, reminds us that the bishops’ pastoral letter “Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope”, is now 20 years old. Its call for the welcome and inclusion of migrants is more relevant today than ever.
Sr. Horan has witnessed to the fact that LGBTQ+ people are at risk in their countries. Four LGBTQ+ individuals are murdered every day in Latin America and the Caribbean. One story she tells is of Rafael and Vincencio, a gay couple with their six-year-old son, Felipe. Both men were professionals in Mexico before they faced threats. At the shelter, they volunteer each day in the first aid room and food service. They have not come out to their families and are afraid no one will receive them.
Sr. Horan found a Protestant congregation who would welcome them. Sr. Horan was afraid to place them in a Catholic parish. “I grieved that I cannot count on my denomination to welcome a gay couple in need of sponsorship as they flee death threats.” She continued, “Certainly, there are Catholic parishes that would rise to the challenge, [we know Good Shepherd and others in our area would].”
Let us pray that all faith leaders recognize the inherent dignity in all of God’s children, including those in the LGBTQ+ community.