What is the shadow inviting?

What the Outcome of Proposition 8
offers me as a Queer Man

Jerry Buie writes on Proposition 8 from a spiritual perspective.

Excerpts:

"...As a nation we are moving beyond a dark place in our history. In my work on a spiritual plane, I have come to value the power of the “shadow.” Shadow is often a reflection of some aspect of self that is difficult to acknowledge. Darkness can often prevail as a tool for enlightenment. This can be a difficult pill to swallow, but I am left feeling that the defeat of Proposition 8, for us in the queer community, can be a powerful tool to our own enlightenment."

"...The vote was so close in California that it clearly speaks to no one being a winner. Personally I don’t want to win by a narrow margin, I want a mandate, similar to what Obama achieved. In the circumstances of California its clear that no one won. Mormons won nothing; they compromised their polished Donny and Marie image; that image of being a loving, family religion, to one that will go to great measures, in the name of Jesus, to smear families across a religious divide. As one living in Utah the divisions have been painful on both sides. Did they win something? No clear winner, no clear loser."

"...My invitation is to utilize our creativity to find avenues to this exploration. Exploring opportunities to dive deep into our stories and discover the magic of our existence. Sorting out within us and within our communities the richness and expressions that are uniquely OURS. Finding that voice offers liberation from domesticated notions of being queer, shifts shame into confidence and guilt into liberation. Therein we lay the foundation to civil rights, equality and self-respect."

Read the whole piece here.


Jerry Buie is based out of Salt Lake City, owner and director of Pride Counseling and Co Founder of Queer Spirit. He's a lover of life and spirit and seeks to find joy in all he does. Clinical Social Worker, Student of tradition, culture and ritual. Partner to a beautiful man and parent to a wonderful daughter!