Former Belmont University Women’s Soccer Coach Lisa Howe: “I Think You Can Be Gay Or Lesbian And Be A Christian. I Think I’ve Showed That Every Day Of My Life.”

The Tennessean reports that former Belmont University women’s soccer coach Lisa Howe spoke publically Thursday and said “I thought yesterday was a great day, when (Belmont University President Bob) Fischer started putting a new policy in place to not discriminate based on sexual orientation. I praise him for that.” As previously posted, late last week, after six years with the Nashville-based Christian university, Howe left her position shortly after she outed herself to administration and players, announced that she and her same sex partner of eight years were expecting a child next spring. Howe seems to suggest she knew that the announcement would reveal her sexual orientation, saying “It was long overdue for me to be honest with my team,” adding that the realisation she soon will become a mother led to “a lot of soul searching” about how she wanted to present herself. “I was just worried about the message I was continuing to send to my team by not being honest with them and the message I was sending really to anyone and everyone who knew I was hiding. I just felt that telling my team was long overdue.” Neither Howe nor Fischer would confirm or deny that her removal was rooted in sexuality, but Howe’s players have repeated stated that she was fired for violating the Christian’s school’s policy forbidding openly gay faculty. President Fischer, finally, after a week of criticism, issued a public statement that the private Christian school welcomes gay and lesbian students and faculty, and does not base its employment decisions on sexual orientation. Howe said she was hopeful Fischer’s sentiment signalled a change, and that “A few days ago, one of my goals was just to (make sure) my next job was in a place where I felt welcome and I felt safe. With sexual orientation in a non-discrimination clause, I would definitely consider reapplying to Belmont.” She also said that she and her partner were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from students, alumni, and strangers, including members of the Nashville community. She said that the controversy has afforded her an opportunity to raise awareness about gays and lesbians, in particular those like her who are faithful Christians and parents. “I definitely want (people) to know that gays and lesbians can live according to good Christian tenets. I want them to know what I was well respected in my profession, and coaching soccer is my passion.” She also said “We plan to raise our baby in a Christian home. I think you can be gay or lesbian and be a Christian. I think I’ve showed that every day of my life.”