Why a man of faith supports the new protections for Charlotte’s LGBT community

Some might have you believe that what you did last night was wrong, detrimental to Charlotte, or even ungodly. I am not among those people.

I have the utmost respect for each of you. As you each know, I am a minister and my faith is of supreme importance to me. In fact, because of my faith I am a huge supporter of equality and justice for all people.

Less than 10 years ago I would have likely been among those proclaiming, “Don’t do it, Charlotte!” but gratefully I have been more enlightened. My proximity to my transgender, lesbian, gay, and bisexual neighbors has opened my eyes to a better and more loving way.

Last night as I stood in line waiting to gain entrance into the galley there were some “Don’t Do It!” folks behind me. I stood there with Ginger and Concetta. My heart broke knowing that they had to overhear some of the things that those folks were saying.

I couldn’t understand how folks could say such things about Ginger. She is one of the kindest, loving, and thoughtful folks I’ve ever had the privilege to meet. Whenever I see her I get the warmest and sincere hug. She makes everyone she sees feel known, loved, and truly welcomed. It broke my heart.

I wanted to apologize to her on behalf of all of the other Christians. I did tell her that I was sorry. Her response was simple: “Ray, I have had to deal with these lines and their words since 1992.” I wanted to turn around and give those folks the business; she stopped me. She said, “We need to be the loving ones; we need to show them civility.”

I could not help but to see the irony in her words. The very folks who claim that they represented Christ were doing the poorest job at displaying such with their actions.

And the object of their ire (Ginger and folks who are LGBTQ) was truly displaying the love of Christ — with her actions. It is a moment that I will not soon forget.

During the meeting there were some jeers, boos, and coarse words delivered. Again, from folks who were sitting behind us. I wanted to respond then, but — you guessed it — Ginger stopped me. She displayed love again.

What you all did last night was to boldly proclaim, “No! Not on my watch!” You said that no longer would Ginger, or Janice, or Ryan, or Crystal, or Cameron, or Matt, or Mel, or Paige, or any number of my LGBTQ friends live in this city without the basic protections which this ordinance provides.

I have had three conversations today with folks from my world as a minister who genuinely wanted to understand what the ordinance means. They had real questions (and fears) and I attempted to assuage their fears and offer them the facts — as best I knew them. I hope we can do that more.

I am not sure either of them left with the same conviction relative to this issue as I have — but they listened…and I listened. And that is what we need more of — surrounding this issue and others.

We have a ways to go toward that more perfect union, but your vote last night put us further down that road. I give you thanks for your vote.