ten years ago
I thought I understood
the price of hate
ten thousand children
tossed away in the name of
protecting orthodoxy 
rather than allowing
homosexuals to be treated
with dignity and equality
I couldn't understand 
that version of christianity
concluded I was done
never to return
but, it made me find my voice
take pride in who 
God created me to be
entirely, unashamedly
queer
 
ten years further on...
there are micro labels 
giving details to queer
I better understand
who I am
how I got to 43 
before knowing 
I wasn't straight
queer
cisgender
asexual
sapphically-oriented
panromantic
but still
queer
 
ten years further on...
the price of hate
grown exponentially
our trans and non-binary siblings
attacked verbally and physically
on a daily basis
their lives at risk for living 
the truth of who 
they were created to be
the charge led by those
claiming to speak 
on behalf of a God 
defined by love but
perverted into fear and hate
of everything
queer
 
ten years further on...
I've experienced the gift of love
unconditional, freely given
without expectation of return
seeking the flourishing of all
I've found faith in God 
allowing my full self
all of my questions
all of my doubts
all of my queerness
without having to hide
I've learned there is much more
than I was taught
evangelical christianity isn't
the only understanding
liberation for all 
is possible if your faith is
queer
 
ten years further on ...
I am grateful
that I didn't know
until I was ready
until my family could accept
who I am
until I could accept 
who I am
I am grateful
for friends old and new
who see me for who I am
for chosen family
some by biology, most not
who love me and see
my queerness
I am grateful
for my family of faith
in-person and online
richer community 
than I had ever known
because I can be fully 
queer

Today is ten years since I came out about being queer. I'd only figured it out about 8 months before. It feels both like yesterday and like a lifetime ago. 
For those who have been part of the journey, thank you. 
For my partner who I never imagined I would find, I love you and I'm so grateful for you and the delightfully queer family we have created. You will always have my heart.
For my chosen family, you know who you are, my life would not be as rich without you.
For my queer community of faith, I am so grateful for each and every one of you. I see Jesus in you in every encounter, in person and online. The fruit is real and it is very good. Don't ever doubt that despite what accusations are hurled in hate and fear.
For queer elders, both in age and experience, thank you for sharing your wisdom, for fighting for our rights, and seeking to make our world a place where we all can thrive.