LGBTQ+ Faith Leaders Rally at Capitol to Oppose Trump’s Policies During Holy Week

LGBTQ+ Faith Leaders Rally at Capitol to Oppose Trump’s Policies During Holy Week

As Christians across the nation observe Holy Week, a coalition of LGBTQ+ faith leaders converged outside the U.S. Capitol to voice their opposition to President Donald Trump’s perceived anti-LGBTQ+ policies. A prominent religious figure described the Trump administration as the most hostile regime toward religion in recent history.

During the Collective of Queer Christian Leaders event held on Monday, participants argued that Trump’s policies do not merely target the LGBTQ+ community but also faith leaders striving for inclusivity.

Voices Against Discrimination

Guthrie Graves, an ordained Baptist deacon, highlighted the escalating attacks on faith leaders: “We have witnessed a relentless series of assaults on individuals who advocate for inclusivity.” He referenced Bishop Mariann Budde of the Episcopal Church of Washington, who previously called for mercy toward LGBTQ+ individuals and immigrants during a high-profile inaugural prayer service. Following this appeal, Trump responded critically, labeling Budde a radical leftist.

In a recent post on Truth Social, Trump referred to Budde as a “Radical Left hard line Trump hater,” asserting that she politicized a moment of prayer by urging compassion for LGBTQ+ youth.

Standing Together

Ryan Henderson, an attendee of the Monday event, emphasized the collective nature of their action. He remarked, “Our goal is to reassure LGBTQ+ communities and individuals that they are not alone. We are united in resisting anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and executive orders emerging from this administration.” This sentiment resonated with the gathered faith leaders, who aimed to ignite awareness and foster solidarity among LGBTQ+ individuals.

On his first day back in the Oval Office, Trump issued an executive order emphasizing a binary view of sex—male and female. This directive has raised significant concern among advocates for transgender rights.

Legal Battles Over Sports and Identity

Days after the order, Trump’s Attorney General announced a lawsuit against the state of Maine, challenging its policy that allows transgender women to participate in women’s sports. The state’s Democratic Governor, Janet Mills, openly defied Trump’s order, vowing to protect the rights of transgender athletes. Their conflict reached a head during a bipartisan governor meeting at the White House, where Trump warned Mills he would see her “in court.”

A Call for Inclusivity

Attendees of the rally voiced concerns that transgender individuals, in particular, have become targets in the current political climate. Haley Warner of the Belong Collective advocated for an unqualified embrace from religious communities. She urged attendees to challenge actions taken by far-right groups in the name of faith.

Sunu Chandy, a senior advisor at Democracy Forward, stressed the importance of fighting for rights across various platforms—whether in courts, among faith communities, or in the streets. “It is essential to uplift our transgender siblings during these turbulent times,” she said.

Historical Context of Rights

The Rev. Don Abram, founder of Pride in the Pews, echoed this urgency. He stated, “What is evident is that we face unprecedented attacks against the LGBTQ+ community. The rights bravely fought for by our ancestors are now under siege and actively being diminished.”

Unity Among Faith Leaders

Jan Lawrence, the executive director of Reconciling Ministries Network, emphasized the critical need for faith leaders to stand together against discriminatory policies. “Our collective voice is more powerful than that of any individual,” she asserted.

While Monday’s event labeled the Trump administration as the most hostile toward religion in modern history, Trump’s newly established White House Faith Office announced a schedule of activities for Holy Week to celebrate Easter.

The response from the White House regarding the rally or its implications for LGBTQ+ rights is still pending. Recently, President Joe Biden declared March 31, which fell on Easter Sunday last year, as Transgender Day of Visibility. This proclamation aimed to affirm the dignity and worth of transgender and nonbinary Americans.

Looking Ahead

The convergence of LGBTQ+ faith leaders during this sacred week highlights the ongoing struggles faced by the community in the current political landscape. As they call for increased inclusion and respect, their voices resonate across faith communities, challenging norms and advocating for a more equitable future.