AllianceQ

Work and Play: Reflections from Elijah Burton on Q Christian Fellowship Conference Liberated to Love

Work and Play: Reflections from Elijah Burton on Q Christian Fellowship Conference Liberated to Love

Sometimes work and play can mix. That’s one of the things I love about being a part of AllianceQ, actually. We queer the lines of so many aspects of our lives: gender, sexuality, love, work, and play. For me, that was part of my experience at the QCF Conference, Liberated to Love, held in Washington D.C., January 4-8.

Elijah Burton, Melissa Guthrie, and Jessica Burton enjoy greeting folx at the AllianceQ booth at Liberated to Love.

The conference provided a great source of networking and connection for the Disciples LGBTQ+ Alliance. We had an exhibitor’s table positioned at the base of the escalator and in line of sight for every attendee. And we brought the rainbow…literally. Our table, strewn with stickers, silverware, books, ornaments, and a candy bowl, was a feast for the eyes. It attracted many people to see why we had forks and knives laid out and what was up with the piles of rainbow books. (Have you purchased a copy of Colors of Hope?)

AllianceQ Moderator Luther Young serves on the board with QCF and provided worship music for the conference. We display our “setting a place at the table for all silverware.” Colors of Hope author Andrew Deeb connects with readers (Andy is on the left of the first group photo). Council Member Evan Stanfill connects with attendees. Xyaire Woods meets Alliance leaders in person after years of virtual correspondence.

Beyond the wares we were selling was our actual rainbow. Arched over our table was a perfectly curved pole that we asked people to help us create. Queer people from all over came to our table to take a strip of colored fabric and tie it to the poles, filling in and showing that they are the beauty of God’s people. We are the rainbow.

A conference attendee adds their own strand of color to the expanding rainbow.

And that was why this weekend was so fun as well. We all were able to live fully into our lives as queer Christians in a safe and brave space. The safe space was created for us by QCF, giving us the conference to show up as we are. Yet, each of us attending chose to make it a brave space. We chose to participate each day, standing proud in who we are, and voicing our thoughts, concerns, and needs. We prayed, laughed, cried, and loved together. We forged new friendships and kindled old connections. We sparked hope amongst us.

That is what AllianceQ brings to you. We will continue to provide and be in safe spaces with you, and we encourage you to make them brave spaces.

Elijah Burton serves as the Treasurer on the AllianceQ Council.