OPINION: What’s at Stake for Marginalized Communities in the Coming Elections
Mark Robinson, among others, has focused his campaign on hate disguised as Christianity
As we prepare for another election where we will battle political powers that seek to undo so much of the progress of our forebears, with so many bills targeting LGBTQ rights in the United States, like the disciples of Jesus, there are many living in fear of unjust political powers.
As we wrap another Pride Week in Charlotte, it reminds of the significance of another season in my life as a person of faith. This year in the Christian calendar, Easter Sunday coincided with Trans Day of Visibility. I think that collision might be an invitation from the Spirit to reflect.
While we often rush to celebrate the joy of the empty tomb that first Easter morning, it is important to realize that this community that followed Jesus was still feeling traumatized, afraid and confused in the hours and days that followed it. Crucifixion was more than just a way to kill a person, but it was an attempt to destroy the spirit of a people.
As a result, in John’s Gospel (John 20:19-23), on Sunday night after the resurrection they are in hiding — hiding from authorities who likely do not believe that they should be alive. Jesus has Risen that morning, but that evening his disciples are fighting to stay alive in a world that wants them dead.
We have seen from the Old Testament to now that our communities have undergone oppression and isolation from those who wield political power rooted in hatred and division.
We witnessed the overturn of Roe V. Wade in the summer of 2022. We see the effects in real time of the overturning of affirmative action on college campuses. We have witnessed the destruction of genocide experienced by our neighbors in Gaza. We continue to learn of the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, in Congo, in Haiti and in so many other parts of the world that don’t make headlines.
Read more: OPINION: How I Went From the IDF to Jewish Voice for Peace
As we come out of Pride festivities in all of our beauty, we remember those who feel like their lives are not regarded by political powers, their existence is not acknowledged by societal structures and their flourishing will never be expected in this world.
The tension of this story is that many Christians today still believe themselves to be on the underside of the text. This text has often been read under the guise of antisemitism. Yet we know that Christianity is no longer a small marginal group but an imperial power in many parts of the world.
Right here in the quickly emerging purple state of North Carolina, we see mass mobilization around a gubernatorial candidate who has spewed bigotry toward religious minorities and women. One who has referred to LGBTQIA+ folks as “filth” from the platform of North Carolina pulpits. One who has belittled the sacrifices of civil rights icon John Lewis while being labeled as the “Great Black Hope” of the MAGA wing of the Republican Party.
Yet Mark Robinson’s primary identity seems not to be his race, gender or perceived heterosexuality but his marker as a Christian. In a nation consumed with Christian nationalism and white Christian privilege, we must reconcile with the ways our faith has inflicted harm.
Because Jesus protects the most vulnerable, we are charged to do the same. We must protect the most vulnerable from the powers of militarism and unjust policing that destroy human life. We must protect the most vulnerable among us from the embedded theologies of the wider church that do not affirm the sacredness of our queer identities.
We must fight until the laws of the land will protect the rights and choices of those desiring gender-affirming care. Because the power of phobias is still no match for the presence of Jesus.
I invite North Carolinians from all walks of life to continue to do this work for the acceptance and liberation of all people
Rev. Racquel C.N. Gill, a minister for intercultural engagement at Duke University Chapel, offers spiritual guidance, mentorship, care and programming to students, particularly students of color. She works to deepen the relationships between the Chapel and campus cultural and identity centers.
