LGBTQ and Religion Panel

On March 23, 2017 Gabelli Pride had our first panel discussion since initiating the club. We were visited by New York City religious clergy Fr. David Marcotte of Fordham University and Cantor Steve Zeidneberg of Congregation Beit Simchat Torah; our president Brian Michael Hart moderated a dynamic conversation between these religious leaders and our attendees. Father Marcotte and Cantor Zeidenberg shared perspectives on how their religions view the LGBTQ community.

Marcotte explained that caring for others is more important than letting fear dictate how one should live. Zeidneberg advised that although there are many progressive LGBTQ communities, even within religion, transphobia still plagues these networks and needs to be eradicated.

The overall message that many of us walked away with, was the idea that one should always follow their heart in search of the most honorable and loving solutions for their lives, regardless of what could be limiting interpretations of religious texts and teachings.