The State of the Queer Community
Throughout July, Ferver has been celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, affectionately known as the Pride Community. Learning about our couples and their personal stories is an important exercise in normalizing love. A practice that fills my heart. And, though it is important to bring these stories to light, I feel equally burdened to raise awareness for this special community.
To provide context: the LGBTQ community accounts for nearly 10% of the American population. That’s roughly 36 million Americans. Interestingly, HRC has released new data suggesting that Millennials and Gen-Z individuals are more open about their sexuality. FINALLY. A generation that can be authentic, transparent and live their truth.
For many in the cisgender community, there is ongoing confusion surrounding our LGBTQ+ identities. Below is a brief outline of gender identity and sexual orientation:
Bullying and Harassment
As an African American mother of two, I remember when my daughter was bullied and harassed in high school. I feared for her safety, relationships and academics on a daily basis. After reporting this harassment to the school administration, the Principal met with all parties involved, including parents, and the behavior was quashed, thankfully.
Hate is real. It can drive people to take actions with severe implications for the victim. My daughter was blessed, as she had my help to advocate for her safety. However, many from the LGBTQ+ community are openly bullied and harassed without constraint, as reflected in the following data:
FBI Data (2023-a):
The FBI’s Annual Crime in the Nation report (released September 2024) shows an increase in reported hate crimes against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals in 2023.
FBI Data (2023-b):
- Incidents related to sexual orientation bias: 2,296
- Incidents related to gender identity bias: 542
- Hate crimes against transgender individuals: 16% increase
- Hate crimes against gay men: 5% increase to 1,131 incidents
(Such staggering statistics deserve a second read. Please take a moment to allow these figures to really sink in.)
We’re Shining a Spotlight…
On the pain and burden of historically marginalized communities. On the need to tune-in and double-down on nefarious activities. On curbing the commonality of these unacceptable practices. This is especially urgent as the 47th administration has criminalized Diversity Equity and Inclusion initiatives. We have sadly entered a season where evil is blatant and turning a blind eye is rampant.
This is not a time for complacency. It is time to be a voice for truth for all. My counsel to the LGBTQ+ community is this: Find a loving network of dependable friends. Seek out affirming churches or non-profits that offer social and spiritual networks to aid in the journey. The Evangelical Lutheran Churches of America with a Reconciled in Christ designation are your go-to congregations.
From my heart, THANK YOU to Hope Lutheran Church (Farmington Hills) and Zion Lutheran Church (Ferndale).
The Jamz 
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