News

The past weeks have been heavy. The assassination of Charlie Kirk — a man whose career was built in part on demonizing LGBTQ+ people — has shaken the nation. And while his death is a tragedy and yet another sign that we have a gun problem in our country, the aftermath has placed an even greater target on queer and trans people. Some outlets have used this moment not to tell the truth, but to spread fear, scapegoat transgender people, and escalate the hostility that people on the margins already face.

At the same time, the broader landscape is terrifying. Across the country, lawmakers have introduced more than 600 anti-LGBTQ+ bills this year alone. At the federal level, executive orders have rolled back protections that many of us fought for over decades. States are even banning Pride flags in schools and government buildings, erasing visible symbols of hope and belonging. And at the heart of it all is a relentless campaign against transgender youth and adults — painting their very existence as a threat.

The fear is real. Rainbow Railroad — a global LGBTQI+ refugee organization — has reported a ten-fold increase in calls from the U.S. since Trump’s re-election. Thousands of Americans have reached out, many saying plainly, “I’m afraid of living here.” For the first time in the organization’s history, the United States has become the top country where people are seeking refuge. And a majority of those reaching out are transgender, underscoring what we already know: trans people are the first line of attack in this escalating crisis.

This is the reality your LGBTQ+ siblings are living in right now. Many of us are afraid. Many of us are exhausted. Many of us are asking if there is a safe place for us in this country at all.

This is why Open and Affirming churches matter. ONA churches must be more than welcoming — they must be affirming and BRAVE. This is the time to check in on LGBTQ+ people in your congregations, your neighborhoods, and your families. It is the time to speak clearly from pulpits, in newsletters, and in public witness: queer and trans people are beloved of God, sacred in body and spirit, and deserving of life, joy, and safety.

When lies and hatred dominate the headlines, ONA churches must be places of refuge and resistance. Refuge, because people need communities where they are free to be themselves, affirmed, and held. Resistance, because silence in the face of hate is complicity.

Now more than ever, our work matters. ONA churches are called to stand as beacons of love and courage in a moment when fear and rage are being weaponized against us.

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What ONA Churches Can Do Right Now

Support organizations like the Coalition and Rainbow Railroad who are on the front lines of protecting LGBTQ+ lives.

Check in with LGBTQ+ people in your congregation and broader community. A simple “How are you really doing?” can mean the world.

Preach and teach boldly about God’s unconditional love for queer and trans people. Silence creates space for hate.

Show visible signs of affirmation — flags, banners, website statements — especially as they are being banned in public spaces.

Advocate against anti-LGBTQ+ bills in your state. Call your legislators, write letters, and partner with local justice groups.

The challenges we face are overwhelming, but we are not powerless. The Open and Affirming Coalition is creating space for us to respond together — not with fear, but with courage and community. That’s why we’re launching A.C.T OUT (Advocacy, Community, Transformation), a new initiative to help ONA churches move from affirmation to action.

Join the Conversation

The Open and Affirming Coalition will host a national online interest meeting and brainstorm session:

A.C.T OUT: First Interest Meeting & Community Brainstorm

As anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and policies escalate, Open and Affirming churches are being called to do more than affirm — we’re being called to act. A.C.T OUT (Advocacy, Community, Transformation) is a new Coalition initiative, and this first gathering is all about listening and brainstorming together. We’ll share what our communities are facing, lift up what’s already working, and dream about what A.C.T OUT could grow into — with no pressure and no commitments, just a chance to imagine and connect.

Thursday, October 2, 2025
6:30–8:00 PM EST
Online (Zoom)

Who should attend:
Pastors, lay leaders, ONA teams, justice committees, youth/young adult leaders, chaplains, and anyone ready to move from statement to strategy.

What we’ll do (90 minutes):

• Brief framing: the moment we’re in and why A.C.T OUT
• Three short breakout rounds to share needs, practices, and first-step ideas
• Light theme clustering and ways to stay in the loop

You’ll leave with:

• A shared snapshot of urgent needs across contexts
• Starter ideas your church can explore in the next 30–60 days
• An optional way to stay connected as this work takes shape

Accessibility: Live captions provided; camera optional. Please share access needs in the registration form.

Community norms: Brave space; one mic at a time; step up/step back; honor names and pronouns; what’s said here stays, what’s learned here leaves; assume good intent and attend to impact.

register here: https://openandaffirming.networkforgood.com/events/91966-a-c-t-out-ona-brainstorming-session