In which Marvin witnesses a war on the saints by the saints in the house of God. 
Last night I performed Transfigurations-Transgressing Gender in the Bible at Imago Dei Metropolitan Community Church in Glen Mills, PA (about 15 miles outside of Philly). I had a diverse audience of about 45 people -- college students, Quakers, straight, bi, trans and lesbian, young and old. I took my time with the piece maintaining a gentle meditative pace. For the ending when I reveal the identity of the narrator, I had instructed the light tech to dim the lights. Then as the closing music swelled, I asked her to raise the lights to their brigthest intensity. With the music playing, I exited. Always (up until last night) at this point the audience applauds, I wait 5 seconds then come out to take a bow. Last night I exited and then nothing. No one clapped. They sat quietly as the music played. I stood back stage puzzled, baffled. Now what do I do? Wait? Go out anyway? And I wondered for a moment, Did they hate it? Did I confuse them? Offend them? Bore them into a coma? After what ...
Comments
I can only imagine that things feel tense and/or embarrassing right now. I commend you for working through the dry mouth and anxiety to stay for the whole sermon, and I'm so glad Soon was there with you.
And it can certainly get surreal when you know that controversy and prayers are swirling around, both completely wrapped up in each other.
I used to attend events in Christian schools and churches from time to time where other members of my family were active. Strangers greeted me by name--a few even said that they had been praying for me--so apparently I had been a topic of conversation!
I learned that it could be empowering to be present for and with my family members there, my head held high, and not get obsessive about what anybody else might be thinking of me.
At any rate, Marvin, please be gentle with yourself. Even if you've decided you wouldn't do a letter-writing campaign again, you acted in good faith. It won't surprise me, even if things are strange at church for a while, some good rises up out of the craziness.