Steven LaChance Blog

Hate, a weapon wielded in the Trump era to strip away rights and dignity from numerous marginalized groups, seeping into the very essence of our society and eroding the bonds that bind us. As a gay man navigating these turbulent times, I have felt firsthand the weight of this malevolent force and its impact on the fabric of our lives.

On this Sunday, as we reflect on the state of our world and the rampant spread of hate, let us turn to the timeless message of love exemplified by Jesus Christ. The words of Martin Luther King Jr., “Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that,” resonate with the teachings of Jesus, who preached compassion, empathy, and forgiveness as antidotes to the poison of hatred.

In a world where hate is weaponized to sow division and suppress the voices of the marginalized, it becomes increasingly crucial to uphold the values of empathy, compassion, and solidarity. Just as Jesus showed love and kindness to those society deemed unworthy, we are called to extend that same unconditional love to all, regardless of their differences.

The LGBTQ+ community, along with other minority groups, finds itself under siege in the current political climate. From transgender rights being rolled back to LGBTQ+ discrimination being sanctioned under the guise of religious freedom, hate has been strategically used to undermine the hard-fought progress towards equality. The very essence of who we are is under attack, with policies and rhetoric designed to push us to the margins of society.

Brenda Ueland’s words echo loudly in these tumultuous times: “Hate is a thing, a feeling, that can be given to you or that you can give to someone else.” The hate that permeates our society, fueled by fear and ignorance, is not just a threat to individuals but a cancer that threatens the collective well-being of our communities. When hate is allowed to fester and flourish, it creates a toxic environment where cruelty and division become the norm.

In the face of a political climate that seeks to divide us, it is essential to remember that our strength lies in our unity, in our unwavering commitment to justice and equality. Together, we can combat hate with love, ignorance with education, and fear with courage. Let us be the voices of reason and compassion in a world consumed by hate, and let us work tirelessly to create a future where all are valued, respected, and embraced for who they are, following the example of Jesus’s message of unconditional love.