The thing about intersectionality and having an intersectional life

[Ms. Toad]

16. Different arena - but here is part of the statement of a community I'm part of

(and just spent a really wonderful weekend with)

It is our hope to offer an oasis to those who have been spurned by the world at large. We are learning that radical inclusion and radical love bring further light to Quaker testimony and life. Our experience with oppression in our own lives leads us to seek ways to bring our witness to bear in the struggles of other oppressed peoples.

We gather twice a year, at our Mid-Winter gathering and at the Friends General Conference Annual Gathering of Friends in the summer. At these times we worship together, discern our corporate witness through Meeting for Worship with attention to business, share our individual journeys, celebrate our lives, heal old wounds, and draw sustenance from the Spirit for our work and life in the world. After almost thirty years, we are still learning to spread love in the face of rejection and hostility and to embrace new friends. We have found faith and voice to speak truth to power and the courage to be open to new revelation.

(This was written about 9 years ago - we turn 40 next year. We're not perfect. Sometimes we step on each other's toes - but we do so less and less - and when we do we sit down and talk about it so it is less likely to happen the next time.)

I share the sentiment of a friend of mine: "I wish that everyone could have the experience of feeling as loved as I felt this weekend."

I wish it for you, as well, LLP