By Briana Bass, Christian Romance Author, Devotional Writer & Certified Professional Coach

I love drag shows. I’ve been going to drag shows since I was eighteen. I grew up on 90’s drag films. Drag queens are some of my favorite people. They’re gorgeous, wearing the most beautiful gowns, and they will fiercely support you and your dreams.

I’m pretty sure drag queens are angels in disguise.

Not everyone agrees. There’s a lot of hate towards the LGBTQ+ community. It doesn’t just come from religious circles, or even just Christian circles. But it does confuse me. When Jesus called us to love our neighbors, didn’t he mean everyone?

Love is the Answer

Jesus says nothing about homosexuality in the Bible. He does speak several times about love, as we read in Matthew 22:37-39: “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” (KJV)

Love can be complicated sometimes. It’s challenging to love people we disagree with, or those who have hurt us. Love can also be beautiful. Have you ever watched a happy couple crying as they recite their vows, or the first time a grandparent meets their grandchild? It’s pure love.

Love is love is love. We could use some more love in the world. Too many children grow up unloved in broken homes. Too many young people are disowned by their families simply for being in love with someone of the same gender. Too many people are hurt or killed by bigots because they had the strength to love themselves and live authentic lives.

Those same people are our neighbors, and Jesus expects us to love them.

Simple Acts of Kindness

There are so many ways to be an ally. The easiest way is through love. Listening is an act of love. Creating a safe space for your friends is an act of love. Correcting someone when they use slurs is an act of love.

It’s okay if we get it wrong sometimes. We are human. We are going to mess up and unintentionally hurt people we care about. What’s important is that we try. Try to remember your friend’s preferred pronouns. Ask your church or workplace to provide tampons and sanitary napkins in both women’s and men’s restrooms (as well as easy and clean methods of disposal).

Try to remember to love as Christ loves.

We Are All Children of God

Our queer brothers, sisters, and siblings deserve the same love and respect as our straight brothers and sisters. I’m not getting into heaven simply for being a heterosexual cisgender woman. We are all offered the same salvation regardless of any worldly identifiers. We are all unique individuals who are loved by God and worthy of the love of our friends and families.