A Queer Dialogue on The Gay Rub

Abstract

The issue of homosexuality has been one of the most debated topics in recent years, especially within Catholic circles. In addition, the Catholic Church’s stance on gay rights continues to be a source of confusion, as official acceptance of LGBTQ people emerges on a seemingly intermittent basis. Despite the confusion, Pope Francis continues to try to persuade Church leaders to support his more compassionate attitude towards the LGBTQ community. In his interview with the Argentine daily newspaper, La Nacion, in October 2014, Pope Francis stated, “We come across this reality all the time in the confessional: a father and a mother whose son or daughter is in that situation. We have to find a way to help that father or that mother to stand by their son or daughter.” Inspired by its unique Jesuit Catholic mission, Loyola Marymount University (LMU) recognizes and cherishes the dignity of each individual, regardless of age, culture, faith, ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, language, disability, or social class. It is through this mission that LMU chooses to accompany students on their journey of self-exploration as they become humans fully alive. As a Catholic Jesuit institution, we are committed to finding God in all things and in each other. Each member of the LMU community is called to treat each other with care and respect, and to value and treasure differences in the spirit of the Jesuit principle of cura personalis, by treating people with respect for their unique qualities, gifts, and challenges as individuals. Through the work of the Office of LGBT Student Services, we are committed to the holistic development of all students as they discover how their talents can be used to create a more just world. In partnership with our faculty colleagues, the office strives to create a learning