They are a librarian queer that helps people in research

Testimony of Carolyn Bratnobe of the Union Theological Seminary in New York (United States) published by the projectQueer FaithOn March 12, 2019, freely translated by Giacomo Tessaro

They are the librarian [of the Union Theological Seminary], I am queer and I do not comply with gender expectations. I am not a pastora, but I consider myself "ally" of believers.

I think that pastoral activity and the study are supported mutually, and I think that the work of shepherds and pastor is liberating: I think the social side of ecclesiastical organizations constitutes a salvation from the injustices of the world. For this reason, those faiths that promote exclusive theologies leave me bordered and indignant.

Ecclesiastical organizations should raise people who most need a refuge, and transcend social borders through love and understanding, yet children and young lesbians, gay, bisexuals, transgender and queer continue to be driven out of the places where they make themselves worship, and they deny them any active role, thus undermining their dignity and their full humanity.

Yet I remain hopefully when I look at the curious people who in the library, in the study and teaching they seek new points of view of them. I think reading and writing can constitute acts of adoration.

You can dedicate a whole life to try to understand the faith (already only coming to the head of all the wonderful essays, tales and poems of the LGBTQ authors and authors of my library would require centuries!). I think that putting the voices of marginalized people can transform us all and all of them; I believe that, at the appropriate time, the hatred that exists in our culture can be transformed, and the limitations that afflict LGBTQ people can be removed.

It will take a long time, and a lot of work by my colleagues and colleagues in theological faculties and ministries, to undo millennia of hatred and fear.

My role as librarian, conservative and teacher of a theological faculty consists in facilitating the work of those who do theology, and help people in research explore and participate in that dynamic dialogue that creates knowledge and pursues justice. This is my work in person queer, an act of love.

Original text: Carolyn Bratnober '17 | Public Services Librarian at Burke Library