Circling the wagons: Our communities of safety, love, and hope are as vital now as ever
We recognize the blood, sweat, and tears shed by so many within our community to preserve and expand equality and justice, progress that now feels acutely threatened. We hold space for all of the resulting emotions. We recognize that time is needed for us all to process and for individuals to care for themselves.
In the face of adversity, when ready, we must stand together. LGBTQIA+ Mormons have a long history of needing to be our own heroes, sheroes, and they-reos. We must now, again, with our allies, “circle the wagons” to protect those we love and our freedom. The communities we build are as vital now as they ever have been. With our mission of creating communities of safety, love, and hope, Affirmation’s communities can be a space of refuge for you in these challenging and uncertain times.
We hope that you will carry these words from a specially written fifth verse of Come, Come Ye Saints by Sikoki Layton with you as you go forward through these trying moments:
Come, come, ye gays and lesbians rejoice!
Join in song; hearts will tell.
We stand as one and raise a mighty voice!
In the light we shall dwell.
As we share with pride this message true:
We’re God’s gay children and we’re loved too!
Affirm this truth and spirits swell-
All is well, all is well!
With much love,
The Executive Committee of Affirmation