One the eve of Transgender Day of Remembrance, five people were murdered in a mass shooting in an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs and 25 others were injured, before patrons subdued the gunman.
Beloved human beings have been murdered again. Many others have been wounded for life, in place where they had sought shelter and belonging. Shooting deaths continue to haunt us — they are allowed to continue. Prejudice against transgender people, especially transgender women of color, is epidemic. It is robbing the world of people who are important to others and who are part of the beauty of God’s creation. Transgender folks are people, just as all other people —straight, gay, non-binary, non-conforming — are. It is an illusion to think people’s humanity can be wished away because “they” seem somehow different. “They” are not different. “They” are you and me. Human beings with a right to live life to the fullest.
Our faith commands us to love one another. Love and compassion are not an option, they are at the root of the Christian faith.
Our faith commands us to love one another. There is no caveat that says “unless you are uncomfortable with them.” Love and compassion are not an option, they are at the root of the Christian faith. Let us open our hearts to all people. Let us demand gun safety laws when we vote, and more serious laws against hate towards marginalized communities. Violence toward our LGBTQIA+ siblings must end.