As a member of Seattle’s faith community, I attended the counter-protest to stand in solidarity with queer and trans youth. In the flurry of legislation and bigoted presence happening all over the country, I stood shoulder to shoulder with queer and trans youth, fellow clergy, and those in solidarity who were compelled by conscience and faith to speak truth to power.

In like fashion of the events at Cal Anderson Park on the previous Saturday, the “Christian” concert at City Hall revealed a stark illustration of who is deemed worthy of protection in Seattle. When the conservative, fundamentalist Mayday USA group brought their anti-trans and anti-abortion presence couched in religious music and “worship, the event was met with a righteous, passionate, peaceful counterprotest. Yet, as tensions rose, it was only the concert-goers who found themselves shielded by a wall of police officers, who essentially acted as the additional security force to a group that already had paid security.  

Meanwhile, queer and trans youth, many of whom were teenagers, were met with force, just as they had in the park, and ultimately, arrest.

This was a show of force and power. Interestingly, an announcer at the concert thanked the Seattle Police Department at the end to an uproar of applause, all while some of those let into the plaza held signs naming “sin” and asking for Mayor Harrell’s resignation.  

Public safety ought to be infused with equity and justice. If they wanted to provide safety at the event, they could have split the force in half to protect protesters and counter-protesters alike–except I witnessed a police officer assault a clergy person, and, later, observed another clergy’s arm being sliced as the officers continuously moved the barricades to accommodate the Mayday USA group.

True safety is rooted in justice, and justice demands that we protect the vulnerable, not criminalize them for their courage. We are called to stand with the marginalized, to speak out when the powerful use their platforms to sow division and fear. I am grieved by the city’s failure to uphold the dignity of all its residents, and by the overwhelming protection of people who lived in other cities and states.

If we remain silent, we become complicit in the injustice that unfolds around us. As people of faith, as neighbors, as citizens, we must stand up—not just for the right to assemble, but for the right of every person to live, exist, thrive and love without fear.

Let us stand for justice, for dignity, and for the radical belief that every person—queer, trans, or otherwise—is beloved and worthy of protection. Now is our time for courage!