(Editor’s note: San Diego Gay & Lesbian News welcomes a new contributor, the Rev. Jerry Troyer. His column, Heart & Soul, will be published every other Tuesday.)

Many of us in the LGBTQ community carry the scars of growing up gay. Maybe at least some of the people in our lives knew; maybe no one knew. But chances are that we knew.

Two words: Fear not.

Just because you've gone through foreclosure, bankruptcy or have a poor credit history does not mean that you cannot buy a home. People in these situations buy homes everyday. You just need to be aware and knowledgeable of the additional hoops you will have to jump through to qualify.

When looking to buy a home, the real estate agent you choose to represent you makes a huge difference in the home buying process.

A loan by the name of FHA

This year marks the 125th anniversary of one of the most historic Lutheran congregations in Southern California, First Lutheran Church on the corner of Third and Ash Street in downtown San Diego. Although this congregation has changed over the years, the central message of welcome to all remains a constant theme over 125 years of service.

SAN DIEGO -- As part of its ongoing commitment to cultural diversity and responsible banking, Union Bank partnered with KPBS to honor 16 local individuals who are making a difference to enrich the lives of others, including longtime LGBT activists Jeri Dilno and Larry T. Baza.

The honorees were announced throughout 2012 as part of the Cultural Diversity Partnership, which recognizes and pays tribute to local heroes from eight diverse communities, and the year-long celebration of diversity culminated with a ceremony and reception last week, at the San Diego Natural History Museum.