What happened to Empire star Jussie Smollett in Chicago last night is absolutely sickening and horrific!

Folks, racism and homophobia are alive and well.

This is why we cannot stay silent.

This is why we cannot allow those racist, homophobic (and all other hateful) comments to go unchecked.

This is why we must listen to our LGBTQIA+ siblings and siblings of color and take them seriously when they explain their own experiences of racism, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia (and not brush them aside, wondering to ourselves if they might be overreacting or exaggerating.)

This is why we must deconstruct and denounce racist, homophobic, transphobic, etc. theologies and teachings in our faith communities.

This is why we cannot elect and/or defend political leaders who uphold these kinds of isms/phobias.

This is what happens when we fail to acknowledge and work to eliminate the white supremacy and heteronormativity that still prevail in our country.

We are complicit when we are silent.

To my black and LGBTQIA+ siblings: I am so incredibly sorry. You are loved and beloved. My heart breaks with you and I stand with you.