I Follow Trans Men and Women on Social Media

Protecting the LGTBQ+ community from Christians

Photo by Siora Photography on Unsplash

I read their blogs and comments section and give feedback from time to time. One of my mentors is an LGTBQ+ pastor, and I read material about LGTBQ+ theology. Why? Because they are here to stay — they are not going anywhere.

And because I love them.

We cannot ignore the LGTBQ+ community. “Don’t ask, don’t tell” doesn’t work anymore. They don’t deserve to be merely “accepted” or “tolerated.” They need to be celebrated and protected.

Yes, protected from Christians that use the cross as a sword, pointing fingers and making LGTBQ+ folks feel as if they were subhuman or a lesser category within the Christian circles. They need to be safeguarded from churches that welcome them in theory but don’t allow them to be part of the leadership team or even plain members.

I wish I had done more when I had a pulpit to preach from. But it is never too late; this is my platform now, and I am free to advocate for my LGTBQ+ friends.

To be honest, I’m not too hopeful for any real change within well-established religious organizations. They don’t even allow women to have leadership roles! It seems that the only solution is to start from scratch.

The reformers tried to improve their church; they ended up starting a new one(s) altogether because there was no hope left for them.

Is that what is going to happen in Christendom?

I must admit I am torn. I want to keep attending (although my attendance has significantly decreased) the church where I grew up. But, oh man, they make it difficult with their separatist and better-than-though attitude. It is not a safe place to bring an LGTBQ+ friend.

So, I will keep stepping up on my humble soapbox outside the church gate and cry out as hard as possible: LOVE THEM!