My sister Rose was born in 1957, and grew up on our family's farm in western Minnesota. She loved being outside, exploring the woods and prairies, and watching the birds and animals native to our prairie. As she got older, she began to feel "different" but wasn't sure how she was different. She was a good student, but was always described as "quiet" at school. Mom always wondered how to help her to be more confident in the broader world. She certainly was never "quiet" within our family!

When she went to college, she was intrigued by the associations for gay and lesbian people that she saw on campus, but she was afraid to go to their meetings and events because she was worried that she could be kicked out of school, or that Mom and Dad would find out. She did well in college, and graduated with a BA in History and Art. She was always cautious and tentative in the outside world. She went to "try her luck" in Tucson, where our aunt and uncle lived. In July, 1982, she called me excitedly one evening. "Linda!" she said, "I have finally found where I belong!" She was 24 years old, and had just attended her first Pride Parade.

She went on to earn a Master's Degree in Women's Studies, with an emphasis in Editing and Publishing. She became very active in the women's movement at the time, but was very guarded about her personal life. When she and her partner made a commitment to each other, they were very cautious and afraid as they moved in together and secured a mortgage on a house they loved. She never discussed her home life at work.

She and her partner were amazed when the world changed enough for them to get married in San Francisco in October, 2013. They had been together for nearly 30 years at that point. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in October, 2015. I went to Tucson to be with her as she entered hospice in March, 2016. She died on April 4, 2016. Neither Rose nor her partner felt welcome, or even comfortable, with any organized religion, but she agreed that I could request to have a memorial service for our family at Roseville Lutheran Church. It was a deeply moving experience for all of us.

I know RLC as a welcoming place for me, but I believe that we need to work to become a more obviously welcoming place for everyone. What does ALL mean, when we say "ALL are welcome here" ?

– Linda Eldred