My name is Joan
I am the person that was told was not welcome in the church, as am going through my transition, and “Church” would never approve of me.
This was not the act of the church as an institution, but a volunteer who was in charge and disguised her personal opinions and vendettas, behind the word “church”.
This individual, that named herself, has also been stopping my friend’s clients in the street on the mornings they volunteer, asking people not to go into coffee shop, as it’s “unGodly”, “God wouldn’t approve” and the place has ‘no class’.
I have kept quiet all along and simply presented my case to the police. It hasn’t been dealt with, so still waiting.
I have requested a meeting with the head of the priory to present a formal complaint of my case. Been ignored. I cannot be the voice for my best friends of 14 years, that own the shops, but my voice is being ignored and silenced.
I have been victim of several kinds of hate crimes, abuse, etc. Not just homophobia, transphobia, all types of racism and discrimination. We need to stand up together and fight bigotry.
This issue is taking too long to be sorted, affecting mine and my friends mental health in a serious manner, and the church (at this time) is simply ignoring us.
I cannot bear witness to any more discrimination of any kind.
Men, women, race, age, sexuality, gender, and all other forms of discrimination.
I just wanted to set the record straight and hopefully the police and the church will also stand up to bigotry and discrimination and stop it happening.
I would also like to make clear that the owners of the cafe are my best friends. When not ill, due to several disabilities, I help out in the coffee shop. I don’t live local but the coffee shop and all clients and the community at large have been my safe haven since started my transition.
