In the Gay and Lesbian world we're used to creating families in our own way. We have to make up our own 'marriage' ceremonies, figure out how to nurture and rear our own children, and for those rejected by their own natural families (still till common) find our own brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles to love us as we are.
In my own case, my family are very accepting of who I am. However as an only child and not close to any of my cousins (except cousin Clare far away in England), Im slowly looking and creating extra family members for myself. It never used to bother me as I never missed having sisters and brothers around. However as I grow older I find I'm accumulating relatives !
Sister Clare, who came to watch me do my radio thing a week ago is a dear close friend. I consider to be as sisterlike as I can imagine anyone to be. She doesn't really need any more family as she has 5 sisters and 2 brothers but out of her generous nature I feel embraced !
My beautiful friend Debby has had some beautiful children and it touches my heart when she announces Uncle Tim's arrival. I love having seeing and playing with my nephews Daniel Joseph and Lucas Sean (great names !).
Sometimes there's a family like feeling in the gay and lesbain community. I've always found JOY 94.9 an amazing place. It's always friendly, quite empowering and sometimes like a family.
I've referred to the lovely and sweet Leenie as sister Leenie and I've told the very cute Stephen he's my older brother. He doesn't like the older bit but it's in honour of his wisdom and knowledge......given that he's the General Manager !
I think one reason for my new interest in creating a family is the fact that my father died last year and my mother is of a good age and won't be around one day. It's also one of the reasons why I want to be part of a loving church community. I've recently joined the Brunswick Baptist church. (Strangely it's one of the few Baptist churches with a track record in fully accepting Gay and Lesbians !) They don't know it yet but I look forward to getting closer to my new chruch friends !
What's family like for you ? Are you creating families, go on make a comment !
GG BLOG UPDATED EVERY SUNDAY NIGHT AFTER THE SHOW
COMING UP THIS SUNDAY on Aug 24th we'll have the pleasure of Michael Kelly's company again. Michael was up in Sydney during the 'world youth day' activities. He was involved in some of the alternative events and will give us a report. Michael is a writer and speaker who wrote the excellent book Seduced by Grace. One day we hope to combine both programs into a podcast for those who can't listen in live.
LAST SUNDAY we featured music from Adoration a professional Melbourne gospel group. No one seems to have heard about them recently so I suspect they are in recess at the moment. We featured their CD Adoration live on the gospel train.
CONTMPLATIVE THOUGHT OF THE WEEK
"There is a community of the spirit.
Join it, and feel the delight of walking in the noisy street and being the noise.
Drink all your passion, and be a disgrace. Close both eyes to see with the other eye."
Rumi found in The Essential Rumi by Coleman Barks
GOSPEL NEWS
# Advance Notice: A series of gospel concerts at Collins Street Baptist church in October. Watch this space !If you have info on upcoming community concerts please let us know: gospelgrooves@joy.org.au.
PLAYLISTS
On past programs we have showcased music from:
adoration - adoration live on the gospel train
Mavis Staples - We'll never turn back
Various Artists - Gotta Serve Somebody: Gospel Music of Bob Dylan
Sweet Honey in the Rock - sacred ground
Vika and Linda - Tell the Angels
Various Artists - South African Gospel
Mary Mary - truthful
Anakulaia - Anakulaia
Paul Capsis with Cafe at the Gates of Salvation - Paul Capsis Live
FUTURE PROGRAMS
In later programs we hope to have a representative from Changing Attitudes to comment on the Anglican Church scene which has been in the news lately.Out and Black will also come on to GG to talk about indigenous spirituality and sexuality. Should be a great program !
If you have any ideas on speakers or topics for future programs send us an email. You may also know some great gospel artists you would like us to play gospelgrooves@joy.org.au.
GG BLOG UPDATED EVERY SUNDAY NIGHT AFTER THE SHOW !
1 comment:
Interesting comments on families.
I'll be sure to listen in regularly.
I love Gospel music, in all it's glorious forms. Keep playing what makes you feel good Tim and it will work for all of us.
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