Editor’s word: This story actually ran in our Sunday publication on Easter. Every Sunday, check out our publication, as some stories might appear before they land on our website.
A Westford LGBTQ+ organization and religion have partnered to raise Transgender Day of Visibility, which was observed on Easter Sunday.
Outside of the First Parish Church United on Main Street, a signal made by Westford LGBTQ+ Friends and Allies was installed.
“This is breakthrough, and, quite frankly, I expected a ‘no’ with Transgender Day of Visibility falling on Easter Sunday this month, ” Wendy Gloyd, president of Westford LGBTQ Friends and Allies said. We acknowledge that not all businesses would find the juxtaposition to be aesthetically pleasing, and that we would never have taken it professionally as a sign of support. ”
She continued,” I’m glad that the church leaders are working to increase awareness and help in town. ”
Church authority, such as Reverend Rebecca Lockwood, says that the temple is “often quite distinct in its aid of the LGBTQ community.
“The choice was very easy for us to create, ” she said.
Harrison asserts that she thinks Easter is a good time to show the signal.
“Theologically, Easter is a good day to do that, ” she said. The beloved news and dignity of Jesus ‘ life are at the heart of so much of what we believe. ”
She added, “All of his career in government was loving, celebrating and reminding people that they were capable. That it was due to who they were rather than in lieu of who they were. ”
The church now hangs two Pride colors outside both of its Main Street doors.
Despite the church’s support, Lockwood says faiths may still have “more to understand. ”
“That’s one of the things we’re working on, is how to be more involved and present, ” she said.
“Getting involved in Pride activities is on our list to get involved in. There’s often more for us to learn, it ’s an ongoing process. ”
Harrison asserts that her church’s goal is to make the community a loving and safe place for everyone.
Transgender Day of Visibility is one of the things we can do in our commitment to be a healthy and loving place. ”
She continued,” This day is celebrating having a place where trans people feel secure, held, and loved so that everyone can be completely visible,” she said. The Church has declared that” we have this morning because it is still unsafe for so many people, and putting up the signal is a small step to take to correct this.” ”
According to a 2023 statement from the Human Rights Campaign, an American Gay advocacy group, 32 transgender and gender-expansive people were killed by harsh means in 2023.
Of these, 84 % were people of color and 50 % were deadnamed or misgendered by the press.
Additionally, according to a 2023 report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, a 40 % increase in anti-transgender incidents was observed between 2021 and 2022.
Lockwood did point out that despite her church’s support for Transgender Day of Visibility, she also thinks that work needs to be done to improve relations between the Church and the LGBTQ area.
The Church has been a dangerous place for so many people, and so many individuals do not think safe there. We have a lot to fix. ”
