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Dear AWAB Family,
As I write, I have in my mind 6 extended conversations I’ve had in the last 72 hours alone with LGBTQ+ individuals as well as members of families with LGBTQ+ loved ones. As we navigate here in the U.S., the mind-spinning and heart-wrenching absurdities of what is coming out of the Oval Office in the White House, my heart is heavy for how these absurdities are affecting people I know, and you know. Family members. Colleagues and co-workers. Neighbors. Church congregants. Youth. Children. And perhaps even yourself.
I am also aware within the queer community, our trans siblings are currently experiencing perhaps the most intense hurt and anxiety. To be clear, no one is to be “erased” from our community. While the federal government can remove the “T” from LGBTQ+, LGBQ+ cannot be whole without the “T.”
In moments, it’s easy to wonder, “What is happening?” “What can I do?” “To whom can we turn?” “What resources can help?”
If you’ve asked any one of these questions, you’re not alone. Members and friends of AWAB around the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, and across the continents of Africa and Europe have been wrestling with the impact of the Trump administration…even though it’s only in its first month of office. And so, as we will be dealing with a lot over the next several years, I believe it’s helpful to pace ourselves.
For now, and for mental health’s sake, it’s important to moderate our news intake, but please don’t ignore the news altogether. Stay informed with as many current developments as you’re able to manage. Be aware of what is happening nationally but don’t forget to stay connected to what is happening in your own community too. Reach out to loved ones and friends. If you’re straight identifying, your queer family members, colleagues, co-workers, and friends will need you to step up, speak out, and be present. If you’re queer-identifying, remember you’re not alone. You have queer siblings across the Baptist landscape that will stand with you through all we’re experiencing. Currently, AWAB is facilitating monthly queer-Baptist clergy conversations. These gatherings have given me hope, and I believe they can for others, too. If you are queer and work (or have worked) within a local ministry, you can register to participate here.
Additionally, in the flood of what is impacting queer-affirming communities, please use the resource page linked at the bottom of this article to find organizations that are providing a breadth of resources for this most challenging time. Keep visiting AWAB’s website for news and events within our Baptist family.
The season of Lent is just around the corner, and often, the liturgical ritual we’re invited to consider is giving something up. This year, I invite us to consider what we might take up. Let’s put our faith into action by intentionally reaching out to those we know and for whom an extra measure of support will be needed. Let’s also consider how we can put to action our faith by writing our legislators, attending a rally, or volunteering in some capacity so as to make life more hopeful for ourselves and others.
As the weeks, months, and years unfold, know you can reach out to AWAB. There will be a listening ear and open heart ready for you…ready to provide you with support and encouragement as we experience together these challenging times.
I conclude with the words of Amanda Gorman from her work, The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country, which she offered on January 20, 2021:
That even as we grieved, we grew,
That even as we hurt, we hoped,
That even as we tired, we tried.
AWAB Family…you are loved, and you are not alone. Together let’s keep growing, hoping, and trying.
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