At our retreat this spring, the Council spent some time reviewing where CLOUT has been. In that conversation, we re-membered the original meaning of CLOUT – Christian Lesbians Out Together. The "Together" part of the name is something that got set aside along the way, but we are committed to reclaiming it for the journey ahead.
It is "Together" that is CLOUT's real strength. "Together" is our gift to one another. And it is "Together" that will carry us on the journey that is before us. So, let me tell you what “Together” has meant to me…
CLOUT is something special. I remember my first CLOUT event (Rochester, NY) and what it meant for me, as a 23-year old just out of the closet, to sit in that circle with elders and sisters. I knew that these women saw themselves in me – and I in them. Being together with them that weekend helped me to imagine the possibilities for my life. And I hear from my elder sisters that my presence as a younger sister helps to give them perspectives that they value as well.
CLOUT is something special. Over the years, I have had the privilege of knowing many insightful and amazing people, who have challenged me to grow as a person as I deepen my commitment to justice. So many of those relationships have begun in and been nurtured by CLOUT – women who have wrestled with me in moments of anger, held me in times of tears, and shared much joyous laughter in the process.
CLOUT is something special. When my partner and I were preparing for her trial (and eventual defrocking) in the United Methodist Church, we turned to CLOUT sisters for advice and support. Because of CLOUT, we knew there were women we could call on who had been through similar ordeals and lived to tell about it. These relationships teach me how to survive in a world where, as Audre Lorde said, "we were never meant to survive."
As the CLOUT council spoke about our history, we also heard stories of being hurt, feeling left out, and needing to challenge the status quo of how CLOUT has sometimes operated. Even as we honor our history, this time of transition is providing us with an exciting opportunity to take a fresh look at how we operate so we can provide a more healthy, holy, honoring witness to the world. The story of CLOUT is still unfolding!
Together with the CLOUT council, I am renewing my commitment to expand and deepen this very special sisterhood. Will you join us by making a fresh commitment to CLOUT? Together, we can share something special.
Whether you can afford to give $100 or $75 or $50 or $25, we count on you to sustain the remarkable work that CLOUT does in supporting Christian lesbians. Please contribute using the order option below -- or contact our coordinator to make other arrangements.
Several of our leaders send a monthly contribution, which makes all the difference. Could you pledge $10 to $50 a month?
Gratefully,
Chris Paige
