As fascinating as it is to think that the cutting edge of queer theory is defined by a refusal to adopt any one “gay identity,” I am suspicious of the Church for advocating a similar liberation from sexual identity. Of course, much of my suspicion can be traced to Mark Jordan’s Silence of Sodom, which I am currently reading. I’m not finished yet, but the author makes some compelling arguments for the real problem facing the RCC on the issue of homosexuality: a lack of genuine discussion.
Jordan claims that the Church not only has been reluctant to talk about homosexuality, but that it engages in rhetoric which distracts, confuses, and mutes those who would engage in such a dialogue. And yes, the Church does seem to encourage its members with SSA to remain silent, invisible, and to not rock the boat. While I am not about to wear a rainbow flag to mass or challenge the Church’s teachings, do I have to deceive my fellow Church members? Do I have to deny who I am so completely that I am living a lie? There’s a fine line between discretion and lying.
This is not what I want, and I don’t think it’s what is best for the Church or its SSA members. My priest knows who I am, and some parish members whom I trust completely. If I am asked, I like to think that I could have the guts to say “yes, I experience SSA–now can I do my work?”
