Your Stories
Transitioning in My Synagogue
When I approached my rabbi to announce my upcoming gender transition, I was fully prepared. I had photocopies of relevant Torah and Talmud, writings on Jewish medical ethics from as early as the '60s, and the responsa of an Israeli rabbi whose work on this issue was considered the gold standard by most other Jewish religious leaders.
Young Gay Ministers and the Spiritual Quest
The small church needed a new minister. Several had been interviewed and one specific candidate had really been impressive ... there was only one potential challenge, he had disclosed that he is gay. The church, mainly made up of the aging members of their farming community, liked him very much but worried about the rest of the congregation accepting his lifestyle.
Alston Musheno Family
My partner, Catherine Alston, our beautiful son, Alec Alston Musheno, and I live in our home in Silver Spring, Maryland. Catherine and I have been a family for 10 years and our lucky family grew by one when I gave birth to Alec two and one-half years ago.
Emergency Room Experience
At our covenant ceremony, I took James to be my life partner, "for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death." At the ceremony, I promised James: "I’m not leaving, no matter what."Minister from North Carolina talks about Clergy Call 2009
Listen to Rev. Joe Hoffman talk about ways he's advocating for GLBT equality, including his involvement in Clergy Call 2007 and commitment to Clergy Call 2009.