How we Heathen while being LGBTQIA2S+

Hello, Regnbue Ætt heathens! I wanted to open up some discussion about who we are. How are we living authentically in both our LGBTQIA2s+ lives and our heathenry, and how do those two aspects about ourselves coincide and even intertwine? For instance, do you keep something with flags colors on your altar? Are there gods that you feel more connected to due to being LGBTQIA2s+? Or are they separate aspects of who you are? If they are separate, do you want them more intertwined? This is important to think about as we walk our individual paths. How do we make ourselves as a whole as we can, seeking the guidance of our gods, but also be unapologetically us?

If you do combine both important aspects of our lives, how are you doing it? I wonder if it is a sub-conscience or a natural thing for some of us. Having a safe, welcoming place to have both is an incredible thing to have, so some of us just naturally allow both to coexist and mingle. But for some of us, it has to be a cognitive thought, something we have to work on. Two different facets of what makes us up, but because they are important, we work on having both Heathenry and being LGBTQIA2S+ work together to make us feel whole and safe. That said: what do you do that intertwines these two bits of you? Do you have a rainbow Mjolnir? Do you spend time with those LGBTQIA2s+ people that came before us, as we would our ancestors? What about making sure that other LGBTQIA2S+ heathens know that there is a safe place and welcome them with open arms?

What about those compartmentalizing people among us? Keeping certain parts of us separate is completely valid, and there could be a myriad of reasons as to why we would do that. Just like above, it would just be a natural instinct, or it could be done on purpose. The question isn’t why, but how. Do you just practice your religion and you’re gay, and it’s just that? Plain and simple. Do you want to keep separate things separate and work to make sure that your religion doesn’t cross paths at all?

Intertwining or compartmentalizing are both the right way to heathen if that’s what works for you. Remember that you have resources among us, and within us. We are always here to lend an ear, give advice, and make sure you get pointed in the right direction.