Kampmeeting - Through the Lens of a Parent

I have a daughter, *Sophia, 14 years old, who is a member of the LGBTQ+ community. She’s bright, energetic, and social who happens to be bisexual.

When I first learned that Sophie identified as bisexual, I was devastated. I knew that most importantly I would always love my child. Based on that foundation, I started to read, watch, and learn anything I could about the LGBTQ+ community. While searching for answers, I watched “Seventh-gay Adventists” and found out about SDA Kinship. To my delight, I learned that a Kampmeeting was scheduled in a few months near my home. I signed up and Sophie agreed to attend at least some of the meetings.

After I signed up to attend Kampmeeting, I started researching even more about LGBTQ+ to educate myself. I was scared that I would unintentionally say or do something that would offend a person who identified as LGBTQ+.

Kampmeeting was scheduled to start on a Thursday night and officially end Saturday night. On Thursday night I attended, however Sophia chose to stay at home. I was nervous to go by myself, especially since I was only an ally. When I arrived, I found out that the meeting area was in a small conference room inside of a hotel. I was surprised that the attendance was sparse. There were not any children or teenagers, only adults. When I walked in, I was warmly greeted by everyone. There were a few people attending that I had met on-line and they were just as friendly in person as on-line. No one interrogated me concerning my presence; I was just instantly welcomed with open arms. The atmosphere was relaxed, warm, and open. There were a few comments made by some of the LGBTQ+ members about how this is one of the few times that they feel completely safe and welcome in a social setting. Even though the comments were made in a light-hearted manner, the hurt and pain were evident underneath the joviality. My heart cried out for the discrimination and rejection that they endure in everyday life.

Sophia came with on Sabbath morning and we stayed the entire day until the end of the Saturday evening program. On Sabbath morning, some children and teenagers attended so Sophia connected with a few of them which was a positive experience. Sopia enjoyed connecting with people closer to her age. I hope more teenagers and young adults attend future Kampmeetings. During the Saturday evening talent program, Sophia sang a song. It was good to see her participating and interacting with others.

Each presentation was beneficial and enlightening. There were a variety of speakers and programs scheduled from speaking about Ellen White’s personal life to a transgender’s experience to a Saturday night talent show.

I highly recommend attending Kampmeeting every year. It is a great way for a parent ally to connect with the LGBTQ+ community and learn more about them in a spiritual and social setting.