Thoughts and Prayers: Catholic School Loses Labor Lawsuit

Written by Kevin Perry| September 7, 2021| The Lens

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Progress is never a straight line. In 2012, Lonnie Billard was named Teacher of the Year. In 2013, the Supreme Court ratified same-sex marriage. In 2014, Mr. Billard was fired for exercising his rights.

And it happened on Christmas Day. How Christian, right?

Charlotte Catholic High School terminated Mr. Billard’s employment because he had the audacity to love another man openly and honestly, announcing his upcoming nuptials on social media. The institution claims they did not fire their celebrated, accomplished employee due to his god-granted orientation.

Excuse us while we move aside to avoid the lightning that will invariably strike those lying, lying-ass liars.

In a statement to local media, the diocese spokesperson claimed that Billard lost his job “for going on Facebook, entering in a same-sex relationship and saying in a very public way that he does not agree with the teachings of the Catholic church.”

So, they were totes cool with Billard being gay, he just wasn’t allowed to express any shred of his identity to the world ever? How enlightened.

The North Carolina ACLU stepped in to defend Billard. That was seven long years ago, but justice has finally been served.

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A federal judge ruled that Billard can proceed to trial and seek restitution for lost wages and outright discrimination.

“After all this time, I have a sense of relief and a sense of vindication. I wish I could have remained teaching all this time,” Billard declared. “Today’s decision validates that I did nothing wrong by being a gay man.”

The wronged educator’s victory is thrilling, to be sure, but unfortunately his fight isn’t over. Charlotte Catholic High School’s lawyers “are considering next steps.”

Allow us to inject some much-needed context into that maddeningly simple statement. Instead of feeding the poor, the religious school will continue to push their bigoted agenda. Rather than making the world a better place, the so-called Christian organization will defend the indefensible. While they could be pursuing dozens of altruistic initiatives, Charlotte Catholic High School insists on demonizing Lonnie Billard simply because he’s gay.

We pray they lose again and again and again. Amen.

Photo: Screenshot YouTube

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Last modified: September 7, 2021

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Metrosource Minis is the official podcast companion to the national LGBTQ print and online magazine featuring short form interviews with our featured celebrities from the LGBTQ world and beyond…with your host, Alexander Rodriguez. Quick, fun, and informative…Metrosource on the go. [podcastplayer feed_url ='https://feeds.sounder.fm/3885/rss.xml']

Listeners of Sirius know John Arthur Hill for his weekly, witty repartee and queer comedic look at life and pop culture as co-host on Andy Cohen Live and on his own show, The John Hill Show. Social media lovers know John for his sexy thirst traps, viral song parodies, and funny one-on-ones. Musical theatre aficionados have seen John in Broadway’s Hairspray and The Boy from Oz and from Off-Broadway’s Bare. Reality TV fans have seen his work on Top Chef, Kathy Griffin: My Life On The D-List, Project Runway, Watch What Happens Live, and more. Combine all of that with John’s live touring shows and stand-up, you wonder how this man has time to sleep…and workout. He is an entertainment industry renaissance man and his journey to today has been a winding one.

In this episode, we talk about his growing up in Texas, being raised in a Christian environment, his theatre life including Broadway with Hugh Jackman, his sober journey, getting into radio and TV production, body image, being authentically comedic, dealing with haters, maintain mental health, his latest standup show John Hill is Gooning, dating, and much more.

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Live Out Loud: From Article to Activism

23 years ago, Metrosource published “A Gun in the Closet,” an article recounting the lives of 3 LGBTQ youth and the issues they were facing. Moved by the piece, Leo Preziosi decided to do something to continue the efforts to protect LGBTQ+ youth in response to the extremely high suicide rates. He formed Live Out Loud, a nonprofit dedicated to serving LGBTQ+ youth ages 13 to 18 by partnering with families, schools, and communities to provide resources, role models, and opportunities for our at-risk community youth. After two decades of success, the organization presented its 23rd Annual Trailblazers Gala last month, bringing together donors, corporate supporters, election officials, and youth scholarship winners to celebrate the organization’s life-affirming educational programming. At the event, 3 LGBTQ+ seniors were awarded the Live Out Loud Young Trailblazers Scholarship Award towards the college of their choice. 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I studied photography and fashion design and found myself years later working in marketing and special events for a retail store named Felissimo, which was a tremendous help to me in planning fundraisers for the last 23 years. I was learning from the ground up. I had no idea how a nonprofit ran or how it was structured. It was overwhelming and complicated. It was a very scary time. I took workshops, did research, and went around meeting with the Executive Directors of HMI and GLSEN. I wasn’t planning on creating a nonprofit, it just evolved organically. How did starting this organization change your life in those early years? It was a very special time. When I shared the idea for the work I was doing with friends and colleagues, they were all very eager to step in and help. I was overwhelmed with gratitude. It also made me much more aware of the challenges that queer youth were facing in the early 2000s. When I left high school, I never looked back. 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I did not like who I was, and I had three different versions of myself. I had Hoe-y who was a whore. I had Jose who was a completely despicable human being. And then Joey, who you’re interviewing today. But knowing that those versions of myself are dormant and not dead has been something that keeps me in check day in and day out, which is kind of neat. It was going to be my downfall and I probably would’ve died, to be completely transparent with you. Andrew: I was a functioning alcoholic for many years and it wasn’t until a series of events in my life that weren’t going my way. I had first-time deaths in my family that I had never dealt with before. Just some really hard times, all bundled together to where I tipped over and just could not stop drinking. And it was a depression along with that. I was literally at the bottom of a pit not knowing […]

White House Correspondent Eugene Daniels Brings Style AND Substance

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In West Sonoma County on the windy Westside Road that meanders through the scenic Russian River Valley AVA, you’ll find Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery. Perched high on a leafy hilltop, this vintner has created a legacy of elegant wines in its rich 40-year history. Sommeliers, wine critics and oenophiles alike hold their pinot noir and chardonnay offerings in the highest regard. We think the optimal way to introduce yourself to these wines is right on site in one of Gary Farrell’s tasting areas, either indoors at ‘The Salon’ or outdoors on ‘The Terrace.’ You’ll experience an elevated tasting of pinot noirs and chardonnays paired with artisan cheeses while enjoying the breathtaking territorial vistas. For the out-of-towers, Gary Farrell is located between two of the most appealing gay tourist destinations in the county; gay-friendly uber-casual Guerneville with its rustic woodsy charm and the alluring Healdsburg with its bevy of upscale dining, shopping and hotel options. To reserve a tasting experience, visit www.GaryFarrellWinery.com. Furthering their commitment to the community, Gary Farrell became an early supporter and member of the newly formed LGBT+ Wine Society. This group brings together wine lovers, LGBT-friendly wineries, restaurants, hotels and retailers in Sonoma County for a welcoming community experience. One of the key outputs from this group is the hot-off-the-press Sonoma County LGBT+ Wine Map. “What a great resource for our community,” exclaimed Gary Saperstein, local business owner of Out in the Vineyard and promoter of Gay Wine Weekend. With over 425 wineries in Sonoma County, the LGBT+ visitor can hone in on those establishments that are gay-owned, gay-operated or have demonstrated a commitment to the community through their support and actions. Charter Sonoma County businesses included: Eco Terreno Wines & Vineyards Equality Vines Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery Iron Horse Vineyards Marimar Estate Vineyards & Winery Martin Ray Vineyards & Winery Roadhouse Winery Sophie’s Cellars Duncans Mills House – Lodging The Woods Cottages & Cabins Lo & Behold Bar + Kitchen The Spinster Sisters Restaurant The Girl & The Fig Restaurant Exclusive events, discounts, and special offers throughout the year are planned by the LGBT+ Wine Society. If you love wine and live in the San Francisco Bay Area, or plan to visit Sonoma and would like a complimentary wine map, individual membership is currently free – just provide your name and e-mail. Visit: www.LGBTwinesociety.com Follow on FB: @LGBTwinesociety Follow on IG: @LGBTWineSociety

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