'A small step': LGBTQ+ Angelenos, allies see progress in Vatican's blessings for same-sex couples
LOS ANGELES — The Vatican's surprise announcement Monday that authorized the blessing of same-sex couples — while still upholding the church's ban on gay marriage — was celebrated by many queer Catholics and their allies as a significant win for inclusivity, though one more of philosophy than practice.
"This is huge for the LGBTQ community," said Richard Zaldivar, the founder and executive director of The Wall Las Memorias, a Los Angeles health nonprofit serving Latinos and the LGBTQ+ community — who is also a self-described proud, gay Catholic. "It's about dignity and respect."
When he came out, Zaldivar said he stopped attending Mass regularly, unsure of where he fit in the church.
