Every February LGBT History Month is celebrated all across the UK. Scotland has a particularly strong record in this, with great support from the Scottish Government. This year, Rev Jake Tatton and Rhoda Meek travelled up to Sabhal Mor Ostaig the Isle of Skye's Gaelic language College, as part of this celebration.
Over the 6th and 7th of February, Rhoda and Jake staffed a stall in the college's Atrium, full of information about the Metropolitan Community Church and LGBT history in Scotland. Many of these posters, fliers and leaflets were available in English or Gaelic.
MCC was warmly welcomed by Sheila Hamilton, Sabhal Mor's Student Support Officer. Even though visits to the stall seemed space, 12 folk attended the lunchtime service on the second day not bad for a college whose full time admission each year is around 20!
The service was conducted entirely in Scottish Gaelic, as are all things at the college. From Rev Jake's faltering welcome and blessing, through the modern songs and Rhoda's Reflection, the sharing of the message in Gaelic was keenly received. The sermon brought together the exile themes of the Exodus, the Highland Clearances and LGBT History in Scotland.
This was the first time such a sermon had ever been given in Gaelic - a powerful message of renewal for people of all identities.
MCC hopes to return to Skye in September, having been invited to participate in the college's Freshers' Fair. We aim to maintain a strong connection with the college, and indeed the Western Isles.
Why Skye?
Many people feel they need to leave their homes and communities when they realise they are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered. This is especially true when they live in rural or isolated communities, such as the Islands. We feel that it is important that these people are supported where they are, so they can choose to stay or leave, without feeling there is nothing for them in the place they have grown up. These sorts of changes happen slowly, but we want to be part of the process!
Particularly for young Gaelic speakers, there tend to be very few choices or freedom, when it comes to expressing our faith. By bringing the message of God's liberating love into the Gaelic speaking world, we have something to offer people of all sexualities and identities a chance to celebrate together, just as we are, in the language of our own culture. Sabhal Mor Ostaig is a central point for Gaelic language revival and development. The college attracts many people from many places, and this means that it has a less conservative atmosphere than many other places in the Western Isles. There are also a lot of people there at any one time, and this makes it a great place to meet folk together. Through supplying the college with information in Gaelic, and participating in events, we can be part of that revival, and ensure that the spiritual health of Gaelic speakers and learners, of all sexualities and identities, can be nurtured.
We can also be part of reaching out to LGBT people who might not otherwise have access to advice or services.
