What is it about the fear of LGBTI people that drives people to hate them to the point of walking into a club and just begin killing? This level of hate follows a year of bomb threats, beatings, and especially anti-trans legislation in state halls throughout the Nation. Why are some people so threatened by the fact that sexual identity assigned at birth might be wrong?
Over the past year at least 340 anti-trans bills have been introduced by politicians who use them to stoke fear to get elected. Hearing politicians like Colorado Laurie Boebert, re-elected on a platform of getting drag queens and groomers’ out of her District say she is sad about the violence is not just disingenuous; it’s hypocritical and disgusting.
As followers of Jesus, we need to speak out against such hate wherever we find it – in our communities and schools. We need to confront this hate by addressing the fears some people have of people who identify as LGBTI. We must squarely face purveyors of hate with the real message of God, that all are worthy and welcome.
Prayer for the Day
Stunned and horrified by yet another mass shooting, O God,
We turn to you for the strength to speak out against hate;
Deep in our hearts, we know we must face purveyors of fear,
But we are often unsure how to do so.
Grant, O God, that we develop both wisdom and compassion,
Addressing the fears of others, opening their minds.
In the name of the One who creates understanding,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
When politicians and pundits keep perpetuating tropes, insults, and misinformation about the trans and LGBTQ+ community, this is a result.
- Brianna Titone, Colorado Rep (D)
The level of fear that the community is feeling is real. And many of our elected leaders actually bear some responsibility for creating a level of discourse that feeds that fear.
- Jay Brown, Human Rights Campaign
O Lord, who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell on your holy hill?
Those who walk blamelessly and do what is right, and speak the truth from their heart;
Who do not slander with their tongue, and do no evil to their friends,
Nor take up a reproach against their neighbors;
In whose eyes the wicked are despised, but who honor those who fear the Lord.
Psalm 15: 1-4