Dear Rainbow Circle Members & Friends:
As I write to you today, I’m aware that the onslaught of anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment, rhetoric, and legislation continues. This is increasingly difficult to process and, in many cases, experience first-hand.
On a recent AWAB trip, upon checking into a hotel and being asked for my email address, I found myself wondering if I should be worried about providing: brian@awab.org.
And sure enough, my concern was realized when the front desk clerk inquired, “What does ‘AWAB’ stand for?” Though people were in ear shot of our exchange, I still shared, “The Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists.” And then the clerk followed up with, “What’s that?” I nervously continued and replied, “We are the LGBTQ+ advocacy organization for Baptists.”
Fortunately, the clerk responded more positively than I imagined and acknowledged most people don’t associate “welcoming and affirming” with Baptists. We had a good chuckle together and he gave me my room number and keycard and pointed me in the direction of the elevators.
As I walked to the elevators, I had to decompress some heightened feelings and emotions. Are we really living in a time when those of us who are LGBTQ+ identifying, do we really need to worry about our safety even in public spaces? While I’m aware, depending on where one lives, this sense of worry or fear can be real daily, it still seems we’re living into a time when fear for our safety and well-being is becoming more prevalent for all of us, no matter where we find ourselves.
It was disheartening to read in the news this week the action of Florida government officials who had the rainbow crosswalk outside the Pulse Night Club Memorial in Orlando removed. In fact, this summer, the Trump administration’s Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy sent a letter to governors of all 50 states saying intersections and crosswalks should be “kept free from distractions.” In other words, LGBTQ+ themed rainbow crosswalks should not be used and they should be removed.
I’m afraid to say, with all the strides which have been made in the last several years, we are witnessing an assault on the LGBTQ+ community that will continue to be intense. During this time, know that AWAB will continue to be a voice across the Baptist landscape for all our LGBTQ+ siblings and allies. We will share more publicly soon, but one way AWAB is proactively being such a voice is by giving our support to an amicus brief which will soon go before the United States’ Supreme Court.
Our ministry and work will continue to be a challenge, but I know with your ongoing monthly support and care, we will successfully keep living out our mission which is to create and support a community of churches, organizations and individuals committed to the inclusion of LGBTQ+ persons in the full life and mission of Baptist churches.
Your care and concern give me courage, even when checking in at a hotel and providing my AWAB email address. Thank you for being a Rainbow Circle member. Your support really does make a difference. If you see a rainbow crosswalk near where you live, will you join me in giving thanks for the courage many continue to provide, and may we each be encouraged to be courageous ourselves as we do together what none of us can do on our own.
With you in rainbow solidarity,
~Brian
Correction
In my previous RC blog, I misidentified an early AWAB leader. To correct this, please note
Pictured Left: Nadean Bishop who served as pastor of University Baptist Church in Minneapolis as the first out lesbian called by an American Baptist church
Pictured Right: Louise Rose, who served as the first Chairperson of American Baptists Concerned.