My name is Deborah Hoffman Wade, I am a freelance writer for Of A Like Mind (an international women's spirituality magazine), Berkana (which publishes my fiction) and for Lavender Magazine. I am a faculty member for South Central Technical College and for the Women's Thealogical Institute. I have a degree in Roman Catholic Theology and Education. I am completing my education to be ordained by the Re-formed Congregation of the Goddess in May. I have been out in my rural community for over 20 years. I am a member of the tradition known as Dianic Wicca, as my friend, Myra Woods says; "We honor the earth, affirm the feminine and respect diversity." Dianic wicca calls to me to deeply believe in the sacred ordinary and the sacred divine for me is female: Goddess.

   She who is air, is present in every breath I take, every thought I think and every word I speak. She helps me to honor my truth: I am a lesbian, feminist, witch, highly opinionated and very verbal. Like the gentle consistent breeze I constantly come out in my chosen community. Like a gale wind I rage against injustice. She brings me the breath of life to continue to stand calm in a world of stormy winds. She gave me the power to come out at work, help change policies and procedures that recognize LBGT relationships. Coming out at work was one of the best choices I made. It freed me to speak about my life honestly. Blessed be She who Sings the Truth.

   She who is fire, present in the determination and passion I have for fighting injustice. She helps me to honor my strength of purpose. She flames my belief in equality both as a lesbian, and as a member of a marginalized and misunderstood religion. She calls me to commit to political action. She leads me to confront the Steve Swiggim's of the world (my past representative) who when campaigning at our farm, backed and ran when being confronted by his articulate, politically aware, inter-racial, butch/femme constituents. I continue to blaze politically coming out and letting my representatives (Sen. Neville and Rep. Boudreau, who authored the DOM legislature) KNOW that I am their constituent....I deserve their respect and representation. Blessed be She who Flames with Action.

   She, who is water, is present in my emotional life. She supports me in my struggle to act on my feelings of acceptance. She flows throughout my life, especially with my family. My partner of 11 years, Schon, and I have been out to family for many years. I tried to make my coming out process with my mother like a calm sea....gentle and filled with understanding. I didn't want to have her blame herself. Her response surprised me, "I know it is not my fault, I watch Phil Donahue!" Schon's father calmly stated, "Well, you have the same rules as your three brothers, No girls allowed in your room!" The emotional support and acceptance continues to this day, Schon is Aunt Schon to our 30 or so nieces and nephews. At our 10th Anniversary Schon's Grandmother, the matriarch at 94, blessed us with her presence. Blessed be She who Loves and Accepts.

   She, who is earth, is present in my stability. We live on a 23-acre homestead in the middle of rolling hills and farms west of Faribault. I am deeply rooted to the land. I will not be going away. Coming out in a small community of farmers and country dwellers was not easy but we live life authentically, not backing away from the fear of disapproval. We are treated with respect, as viable, consistent and established members of our neighborhood community. Last year I was the chair for the environmental candidate for county commissioner, have participated in County/Local Government consistently, and know both my township and county board members. Blessed be She who is Down to Earth.

   She, who is spirit, is present in the balance of my life. She assists me in my calling to write about our lives. She, who is centered, wise and welcoming, pulls us from the cauldron and re-births us into new lives of acceptance and support. She teaches me to respect my past, live fully in the present and hope the future. She helps me to live my life with grace and beauty. She lifts my little lesbian heart and holds it gently in her arms. Blessed be She who brings change, openness and re-birth. So Mote It Be!

Biography

   Deborah Hoffman-Wade is a freelance writer for Of A Like Mind (prose), Berkana (fiction), and Lavender Magazine (commentary). Deborah is a graduate of the College of St. Benedict holding a degree in theology/education and Women's Thealogical Institute Graduate centering on scholarship and teaching. Deborah is a Credentialed and Ordained Priestess for the Re-formed Congregation of the Goddess International. She is an instructor for the Women's Thealogical Institute and is the Convening Advisor for four Priestess Training groups: Indianapolis, IN, Riverside, CA, Bellingham, WA, and Southern Texas. Deborah considers herself a Dianic in the RCG-I tradition and Haegsuzza! She is a retired Social Worker/Counselor and Fund-Raiser/Grant Writer. She teaches as adjunct faculty in the Early Education Department for South Central Technical College. With her partner, Schon, she lives on a 23 acre homestead in S. Minnesota. You may reach her at moonwood@means.net.

   posted: June 9th, 2000