Person ≠ Mental Health Obstacle – People living with mental health obstacles are but one group who desire the visibility of the individual. We live in a society that is fascinated with labels. One could imagine that labeling is a way of our culture that aims to provide a comfort zone for the unknown. Nevertheless, many individuals want family, church, work, and society-at-large to see them beyond such labels.

     Jon Gilbert Martinez is a recent graduate with a Master of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. He is originally from Deep South Texas along the US/Mexico border and a multi-generational Tejano and Chicano. His home church is First Congregational Church of Evanston a part of the United Church of Christ where Gilbert is a member in discernment on track for ordination. Currently, he serves as the Community Pastoral Care Minister at San Lucas UCC in Humboldt Park. He also serves on the United Church of Christ Mental Health Network Board of Directors. Gilbert lives in Chicago with his husband, infant son, two nieces, sister, and several fur-children.