LGBTQ Christians Express ‘Righteous Rage’ at Capitol During Holy Week

A vibrant gathering of LGBTQ+ Christians marked the beginning of Holy Week with a powerful message of ‘righteous rage and holy hope’ at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Monday.

During the Collective of Queer Christian Leaders event, attendees shared their thoughts on how to define ‘woman’ in 2025. Discussions ranged from gender fluidity to spirituality and inclusivity. Activists urged politicians to shift focus away from pronouns and towards real solutions that benefit all Americans.

Rev. Don Abram, the founder of Pride in the Pews, emphasized the need for humanity over biology. In an interview with Fox News Digital, he stated, ‘While the right is interested in litigating biology, I’m interested in litigating humanity.’ Abram reinforced the idea that God is present in everyone, arguing that all individuals deserve rights, protections, resources, and safety, regardless of their identity.

As a pastor and member of a Black LGBTQ+ advocacy group, Abram pointed out that conservatives’ focus on gender ideology often distracts from pressing national issues such as potential cuts to Medicaid and the impact of tariffs on the economy.

Addressing Real Issues Beyond Identity

Abram remarked, ‘The conversation on gender and who identifies, how they identify, is just a scapegoat for them to not focus on the real issues and the real problems that are affecting all of us.’ His words resonated with many attendees who shared similar sentiments.

Shared Concerns About Safety

Guthrie Graves, an ordained Baptist deacon, highlighted the urgency of safety for all individuals, stating that, ‘While Americans may differ on the fluidity of sex and gender, we can all agree that no one should fear for their safety, or fear losing their job, or face violence on the street.’ He advocated for a foundation of human rights to guide debates surrounding human sexuality and gender.

Redefining Perspectives on Gender

Several attendees offered thoughtful alternative definitions for sexuality and gender. Jan Lawrence, executive director of the Reconciling Ministries Network, an LGBTQ+ justice organization within the United Methodist Church, remarked, ‘From a faith perspective, we are all children of God. If someone identifies as transgender and claims that as their identity, then who is anyone else to argue with that?’

Political Battles Surrounding Gender and Identity

Rep. Sarah McBride, D-Del., made history as the first openly transgender person elected to Congress in November. Her initial weeks were marked by intense debates about restroom access, particularly after Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., called for a ban on transgender women using women’s restrooms at the U.S. Capitol.

Shortly thereafter, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson announced that the U.S. House would be implementing a bathroom ban based on biological sex. He emphasized that all single-sex bathrooms were designated for individuals of that biological sex, while acknowledging the availability of unisex restrooms throughout the Capitol.

McBride asserted, ‘I’m not here to fight about bathrooms. I’m here to fight for Delawareans and to bring down costs facing families.’ Her focus remains on serving her constituents rather than engaging in political skirmishes.

Federal Policies and Their Impact

President Donald Trump, on his first day back in the Oval Office, signed an executive order categorizing individuals strictly as male or female. This policy shift reignited tensions across the nation.

In a recent move, Trump’s Attorney General Pam Bondi announced a lawsuit against Maine for permitting transgender women to continue participating in women’s sports. Democratic Governor Janet Mills has resisted complying with Trump’s directive, which seeks to limit biological males from competing in women’s and girls’ sports.

Nearly two months ago, Trump and Mills engaged in a heated exchange during a bipartisan meeting of governors at the White House, where Trump vowed, ‘I’ll see you in court.’

A Day of Visibility and Recognition

Last year, President Joe Biden declared March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility, which ironically fell on Easter Sunday. His proclamation aimed to acknowledge ‘transgender and nonbinary Americans, ensuring they feel seen, valued, and treated with dignity and respect.’

In a contrasting tone, Trump’s new White House Faith Office has announced an extensive Holy Week schedule aimed at celebrating Easter, demonstrating the continuing cultural and political divides surrounding discussions of identity and faith.

Moving Forward with Hope and Unity

This gathering of LGBTQ Christians exemplifies the ongoing need for dialogue regarding identity, rights, and political representation. As they navigate the complex landscapes of faith and identity, those participating in this event remind the public of shared humanity and the universal quest for dignity and understanding.

Through their engagement with the broader community, they challenge others to consider the connections that bind all individuals, regardless of differences, while advocating for a more compassionate and inclusive society.