Catholic School Employee Highlights the Importance of Support for LGBT Colleagues

The Catholic advocacy organization New Ways Ministry has published an essay by a Catholic school employee about the challenges faced by LGBT people in religious institutions. The piece was released as part of the “Pilgrims of Pride” series, timed to coincide with Pride Month.

The author, writing under the pseudonym Mary Campbell, shared her experience working in a Catholic environment. According to her, despite the absence of direct threats, she regularly faced indirect discrimination and tactless questions from colleagues about her marriage and personal life. Because of this, she was forced to change her place of employment.

The essay notes that such attitudes cause what is known as “minority stress” – psychological tension due to social stigmatization. Campbell emphasizes that the main factor helping to cope with this condition and continue working in church structures is the support of other LGBT employees and allies. In her opinion, creating a community of like-minded people is necessary for maintaining mental health and the continued presence of LGBT people in the Catholic Church.