What is divine friendship?
Friendship has been an essential part of human life since ancient times. It refers to a relationship between people who share common interests, values, beliefs, and experiences.
There are many types of friendships, each with its own characteristics and dynamics.
One type of friendship that has gained increased attention in recent years is queer community care and solidarity. Queer community care and solidarity involve forming relationships based on mutual respect, trust, and support within LGBTQ+ communities. These relationships may take on various forms, from casual acquaintanceships to deeply committed partnerships. What makes these relationships unique is their ability to provide emotional, social, and practical support for members of marginalized groups. This support can include advocacy, activism, mentorship, networking, financial assistance, and emotional support.
Divine friendship takes this concept further by adding spirituality to the mix. In some religious traditions, friendship between people involves divine intervention or guidance. This means that friends feel a connection to God, gods, ancestors, spirits, or other deities. They view their friendships as sacred and meaningful beyond themselves.
When embodied through queer community care and solidarity, divine friendship looks like a commitment to supporting each other's growth and well-being. This may mean helping each other navigate challenges such as homophobia, transphobia, racism, ableism, poverty, or illness. It may also mean creating safe spaces where queer individuals can express their identities without fear of judgment or discrimination. Divine friendship requires open communication, empathy, compassion, and selflessness. Friends must be willing to listen to one another's struggles and offer unconditional love and support.
Divine friendship in queer communities is a powerful force that can help build resilience, empowerment, and belonging. Through this form of friendship, we become better equipped to fight oppression and create a more just world for all.
What does divine friendship look like when embodied through queer community care and solidarity?
Divine friendship is the practice of cultivating genuine human connection with another individual based on shared values, mutual respect, and unconditional love. This type of relationship may be formed through queer communities that promote care, support, and solidarity among its members. The concept of divine friendship can be explored further by examining the ways in which these groups foster a sense of belonging, validation, and acceptance within their ranks.