Dinner Dialogues

The queer community is being labeled as “groomers” and “pedophiles.” We are used as a scapegoat for the “moral degradation of our society”, and we are even being blamed for the failing education system. Churches and religious institutions are abandoning us in moments of deep need, elected officials are attacking us through legislation, and individuals who feel emboldened by these institutions are making it clear through words and actions that we are not welcome here.

It is difficult living authentically in a society where you are not welcome. Only two things change that - education and proximity. One can no longer be a moral degradation, a political talking point, or a theological topic when they are sitting across the table from you. If you are honoring their seat at the table, then their humanity matters. Their existence matters. Their story matters.

Our dinner dialogues are simply dinner parties. Deeply intentional dinner parties. Dinner is catered and held in homes of those interested in hosting. The evening starts with a “cocktail thirty” (thirty minutes of a cocktail hour). Oh, and no real cocktails because we’re here for some real talk. Participants then move into a facilitated dialogue over dinner. It must be noted, the goal is not that everyone walks away agreeing. The goal is that we lean into loving dialogue and create space for humanism amidst difference.

Dinners are strategically curated with equity, vulnerability, and safety at the forefront. All participants must agree to adhere to The Centerpiece, our grounding statements, or you could be asked to leave the table. The goal of our dinners is to build bridges and deepen understanding. The Centerpiece guides us in that pursuit. We curate spaces of healing and this will be no different. With that in mind, counselors are available to chat afterward if needed.

Please join us at the table. Your story matters. Our collective story matters.