Minute of Solidarity with the LGBTQIA2S+ Community

Kennett Friends Meeting Minute of Solidarity with the LGBTQIA2S+ Community

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning, Intersex, Asexual or Agender or Non-binary, and Two-Spirit (The plus-sign signifies additional identity terms)

February 9, 2025

The danger posed to members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community has always been
present. However, the threat to LGBTQIA2S+ lives is now growing, as the recent flood
of “anti-gay” state laws clearly shows. Examples of this legal assault on civil
rights include laws banning gender-affirming medical care, censoring discussion of
LGBTQIA2S+ people in schools, and laws allowing discrimination based on “religious
freedom.”

As a minority-within-a-minority, trans people are specifically targeted. The scapegoating
of trans people by political campaigns puts them in even greater danger.
At such a time we are called to do more than assure persecuted people and
communities of our acceptance, goodwill, and support. We of Kennett Meeting commit
ourselves to active solidarity with LGBTQIA2S+ people everywhere, in ways including:

• Being individually responsible for understanding the processes and systems of
  social devaluation for all marginalized groups.
• Declaring to the world that individuals are entitled to joy, celebration, and freedom
  from persecution regarding their sexual orientation, gender, race, or religion.
• Actively supporting and campaigning for laws and policies that promote equality
  including safeguarding marriage rights.
• Providing a safe space for all LGBTQIA2S+ children, adults, and families.
• Continually educating ourselves on issues of concern to the LGBTQIA2S+
  community.
• Charging our committees to consider the LGBTQIA2S+ community in their work.
• Being allies in word and deed.
  

In support of this minute, we endorse the following actions:

• Identifying changes/additions to curriculum for children and adult education.
• Booking June PRIDE Month speaker and/or event.
• Sharing resources on our website on relevant topics around the processes and
  systems of social devaluation for all marginalized groups.