Open Letter to LGBTQ+ South Carolinians from a Committed Ally

This anonymous letter to the LGBTQ+ community in South Carolina highlights strong opposition to anti-LGBTQ bills, including two that passed in the state in the spring of 2022. Take a look:

Dear LGBTQ+ Community,

It may strike you odd that I write this to you as a Christian and a member of a Baptist church in South Carolina. Let me begin by saying that I admire your authenticity, kindness, and beauty. You are generous with your love and resources.

I am a cisgender, straight male trying to love God and love others to the best of my ability. I apologize that most organized religion has failed you. I hope you will continue to give people like me a chance and that more churches will recognize they are missing out on ministering to “all” of God’s people.

Research suggests that among LGBTQ+ youth, only a third experience parental acceptance. Another third experience parental rejection. The final third don’t disclose their LGBTQ+ identity until they are adults.  Only half report their school is LGBTQ-affirming and only 1 in 3 say their home is LGBTQ+-affirming. 

Here’s why that matters: Having at least one accepting adult can reduce the risk of a suicide attempt among LGBTQ+ young people by 40 percent. The Trevor Project estimates more than 1.8 million LGBTQ+ youth seriously consider suicide each year in the U.S., and at least one attempts suicide every 45 seconds. Those not affirmed, studies also show, experience higher rates of homelessness and substance abuse. 

Despite all this data, our nation has seen a slew of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation this year. I was deeply saddened to learn recently that the South Carolina Baptist Convention testified before a state House committee in favor of the “Save Women’s Sports Act.” I also witnessed an SC pastor take eight minutes of a sermon recently to talk about the politics of these issues and how parents shouldn’t affirm their child.  

But know this: This pastor and the SBC do not speak for all Baptists when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights. The Human Rights Campaign has publicly condemned this bill’s house passage and so do I. Psalm 139:13-14 tells me that God knit you together.  You are fearfully and wonderfully made!

Everyone has different advantages when it comes to sports competitions. Some people are more agile, taller, or stronger. Some families have more money for trainers or high-tech equipment. Several major sporting institutions – including the NCAA and the International Olympic Committee – have adopted policies allowing transgender athletes to participate in sports consistent with their gender identity, designed to ensure no competitive advantage conferred by transition. 

Sadly, LGBTQ+ individuals have to fight for basic rights. I so appreciate the work of SC United for Justice and Equality This group “envisions a South Carolina where everyone can thrive, with a focus on the lived and legal equality of LGBTQ+ people.” You can sign up for updates at their website and learn more about transgender issues at equality-now.org.

I long for the day when we no longer have to fight for these basic rights. Until then, remember you're special and loved.