Rev.
Kelly Rivera Hart
 “Just like me, this person is seeking
some happiness for his/her life. Just like me, this person
has known sadness, loneliness and despair. Just like me,
this person is seeking to fulfill his/her needs. And just
like me, this person is learning about life." - a compassion meditation
"You must be the change you wish
to see in the world." -
Mahatma Gandhi
From these two profound statements and the Golden Rule of all
Paths I base my service to humanity for social justice for all
of sentient beings and a friend and spiritual coach for all brothers
and sisters in all their glorious fashions and paths. I dream
of a world where the Beloved Community does exist and all people
can live their lives free from hatred, hunger, discrimination,
darkness and shame.
Since my ordination as an Interfaith minister in 1999, I’ve
been involved in anti-hate crimes activism, HIV outreach and
advocacy and being a stand for human rights. I’ve organized rallies
for marriage equality, held vigils for the victims of hate crimes,
hosted a memorial for the victims of 9/11, created fundraisers
for the people hit hard from the tsunami in Indonesia, the hurricane
Katrina, and various HIV-service and prevention organizations
that are constantly facing economic crises. As a boardmember
of SF Pride, I’ve been able to contribute the support and positive
role modeling for Gay and Bi youth.
Gaining a reputation of an example of an openly gay person that
can be spiritually awake and socially aware, I was fortunate
to be asked to hold an Interfaith Blessing service for the opening
of the LGBT Center in Sa Francisco. And I ceaselessly encourage
and incorporate the teachings of nonviolent civil disobedience
or satyagraha from Mahatma Gandhi.
I am often a friend supporting HIV+ people by doing their grocery
shopping, cleaning their house, massaging their feet and being
with them as they pass on to the next plateau. At this point,
I lost track of how many friends and loved ones have moved on
due to AIDS. And living with HIV for over 16 years, I count each
moment as a precious gift.
"Do all you can, with what you
have, in the time you have, in the place you are."
-Nkosi Johnson, a Zulu boy, born
into dire poverty as well as infected with AIDS, died at the
age of 12. |
