New year’s goal: speak more helpful/less hurtful words to/about LGBTQ folks
Here’s one of the most useful sections of Evan Smith’s book, Gay LDS Crossroads (FREE at GayLDSCrossroads.org, print copy available at cost on Amazon).
What words are hurtful vs. helpful to LGBTQ people and their families?
Here’s a few of my personal favorites: gentle but clear ways to speak up in group settings.
“Let’s try to remember that Jesus spent most of His time ministering to and loving the marginalized and outcast in His society. We should follow His example.”
“Our LGBTQ sisters and brothers in the church walk a road more difficult than most of us can comprehend. Let’s keep our comments about them and their lives loving and respectful.”
“There are people in this room who are LGBTQ or have LGBTQ family members. Let’s not speak as though they aren’t among us.”
“Let’s remember the warning in Alma 5:30-31 that says repentance is necessary for anyone who makes ‘a mock of his brother, or that heapeth upon him persecutions’.”
“Let’s try to be the Good Samaritan when we see people who are beaten down by others, not a robber that helped do the damage.”
Read the rest of the section here.
-Marci