Various dictionaries define “catholicity” as general inclusiveness, broad-mindedness, universality, the condition or quality of being catholic, the beliefs and practices of the Catholic Church, and so on. Yet, factions within the Catholic Church are known for discriminating against the LGBTQ community, an oppressive and exclusionary practice that is in clear opposition to the idea of catholicity. For this to change, LGBTQ people and straight allies, Catholics and non-Catholics alike, must work together to change this perception. Speaking the truth can carry a price, but collaboration, strategy, resolve, and courage can help us overcome this paradox.
“Just Doin’ It” Linda Garber, Associate Professor, Santa Clara University & Out There Co-Founder
How do we manage to do LGBTQ work in Catholic universities? To paraphrase the lesbian poet Pat Parker: First, forget that you work in a Catholic university; second, never forget that you work in a Catholic university. To be successful, our strategies have to draw on best practices in higher education, and to be successful on our particular campuses, we have to be mindful of our Catholic context. This dual strategy holds different challenges for faculty and staff who are not Catholic; and for me, the words “never forget” have particular resonance, as they tie my Jewish heritage to my obligation to act on behalf of students who have been victimized by homophobic violence.
