By Nikki Opara

Your community is desperately fighting and I am pretending to not recognize. the LGBTQ population, more than 75% of people in a community setting reported suffering verbal harassment while one-in-seven reported physical attacks.

 You are being harassed by churches, schools and peers and I turn away assuming it will all blow off. But turning away when one is getting bullied is even worse than being the bully yourself. Right?

I’m Sorry, that when you are seen the first thing my family and I do is say you are  inhumane

Then throw all these bible verses at you and close the door.

We believe strongly the words written in the bible yet we forget to follow it.

To follow one of the most important things it says.. “ Love your neighbors as you would love yourself". I am sorry that we are focused so much on what we are against instead of what we are for.

Dear LGBTQ community, I am for your mental health. Studies have found that LGBTQ youth attempt suicide 3 times more frequently than their heterosexual counterparts

I am for shutting up and for once being an ear to listen when you need it.

I am for friendship.

I am for spreading Christ's love.

My heart leaps seeing you at church, and I am for it.

I am for suicide prevention/ mental health services that are inclusive of ALL people.  

Dear LGBTQ community, as a Christ follower I will do better in making sure I am not occupying the judge’s seat and holding a gavel that is not mine to hold. 

References

Healthy Places: Homosexuality & Suicide

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