Posts Tagged ‘politics’
Pennsylvania’s Episcopal Bishops Urge Passage Of Non-Discrimination Bill
“Jesus commanded us to love one another, and he listed no exceptions.” Bishops of the five Episcopal dioceses in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania today called on the state legislature to pass the Pennsylvania Non-Discrimination Act, which would prohibit discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in employment, housing, and other public accommodations. The bishops…
Read MoreRemembering the Lovings this Valentine’s Day
On this upcoming Valentine’s Day, I am reminded of no greater challenge to marriage equality than same-sex marriage that many LGBTQ activists are still struggling for in their states. However, the precedent for same-sex marriage was set by an African American woman named Mildred Loving (1942-2008) who I am honoring as one of my sheroes for Black History…
Read MoreComing Out! From The Closet To The White House
“…Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by. And that has made all the difference.” Robert Frost For over 30 years of going to my workplace and being fearful that my sexual orientation would be found out; I never dreamed I would be standing in the Oval Office…
Read MoreA Christian Calling For Transgender Day Of Remembrance
Trigger warning: discussions of transphobia, violence, and suicide. Last week, a friend sent me a news report about an attack on transgender activist Candice Rose Milligan, who lives in Toledo, Ohio. She has been released from the hospital following two surgeries, including one to wire her jaw closed until it heals. It was broken as…
Read MoreWhen Some Lives Matter More Than Others
In the wake of criticisms aimed at President Obama’s handling of Ebola, a black and white photograph of Ronald Reagan started appearing all over my Facebook feed. Written across the photograph, in standard meme format, were these words: “President Reagan ignored AIDS until 20,849 Americans had already died. But tell me again how Obama’s immediate…
Read MoreIn The Wake Of Election Day
This week has been appropriately dreary. Tuesday night ended another election in our country. Today our emotionally jostled citizenry is sifting through the ashes of yard signs, campaign contribution receipts, and “I Voted” stickers. Maybe it’s because of the rise of social media that’s connected me with the unbridled commentary of hundreds of people of…
Read MoreApply Now: 2015 Trans Leadership Exchange
In 2015, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force will launch a 6 month leadership development program for 20 Transgender and Genderqueer leaders from across the United States. This group of leaders will participate in a learning community that will offer peer coaching, skill building, opportunities for self-reflection, story sharing, and action! Applications are due…
Read MoreHow One Pastor Moved From Silence To Advocacy For LGBT Equality
“The things which are most important don’t always scream the loudest.” Bob Hawke Religious voices that use holy scripture to demean our neighbors will not continue to be the loudest voices in our city. Chattanooga will know that all persons of faith are not like that. I commit today to make my voice louder. This spring,…
Read MoreBecause You Are, Therefore I Am
“Because you are, therefore I am,” was the greeting that Dr. Ezra Chitando from Zimbabwe expressed to our amazing group of African scholars, theologians, faith leaders, activists and students at the Thorn Tree Lodge, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. Dr. Chitando’s words to us were more than a greeting as they are often spoken in the context…
Read MoreHelp Us End Discrimination Against LGBTQ People In Ohio
This month, Believe Out Loud will join with people of faith from across the state of Ohio to help end discrimination against LGBTQ people! Register today to join us in Akron, Ohio, from September 26 – September 28 for a leadership training for people of faith working to end discrimination: PRACTICE SPIRIT DO JUSTICE OHIO POWER SUMMIT…
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