Leader Resource 1: Mattering

Originally written anonymously by a gay high-school student and adapted for this exercise.

Mattering

My father asked if I am gay

I asked, Does it matter?

He said, No not really

I said, Yes.

He said get out of my life.

I guess it mattered.

My friend asked why I talk about race so much?

I asked, Does it matter?

He said, No not really

I told him, Yes.

He said, You need to get that chip off your shoulder.

I guess it mattered.

My neighbor asked why I put that ramp up to my front door.

I said, Does it matter?

He said, No not really

I told him because it made my life easier.

He said, Is there a way to make it less obvious?

I guess it mattered.

A member of my church asked why I like gospel music.

I asked, Does it matter?

She said, No, not really.

I told her that it connects me to my southern, Christian childhood.

She said, I think you're in denial about your oppression.

I guess it mattered.

My God asked me, Do you love yourself?

I said, Does it matter?

She said, YES!

I said, How can I love myself? I am gay, Latino, disabled, and a Christian in a hostile climate.

She said that is the way I made you.

Nothing will ever matter again.