The Appropriation of Freedom
How queer people can hold their divinely ordained design in the face of oppression
Malachi 3 - 2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner's fire or a launderer's soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver.
Since the election of Donald Trump in November 2024, the image from the iconic Home Alone scene, where a tool chest tumbles down the stairs, has felt eerily reminiscent of the reality experienced by those of us in marginalized communities. On Inauguration Day, it became apparent that many of our fellow Americans were elated by the fact that the newly inaugurated president used his address to directly attack the transgender community. Reflecting on my own experience, there was a time early in my transition when being publicly out was both a joy and an honor. Although I knew would not fully comprehend the political and societal upheavals that accompanied this moment, I had hoped that the currents of change were moving in a positive direction. However, it is now clear that fear has replaced the very notion of freedom in the American queer narrative.
Sadly, those of us who were promised an American dream of freedom and the right to pursue happiness have found ourselves in a society that actively uses Christian ideals to oppress anyone who is not heteronormative. This is deeply concerning and problematic for those of us in the LGBTQ+ community. As a former evangelical pastor and now openly transgender woman, I find myself confused by how this faith that I was taught as a young pastor and child is being used to marginalize me in society. From the very start of my profession of faith, I held the belief that Christianity was for all people. I believed that God called us to love one another unconditionally. It was unclear to me as a child that my faith system had fine print. So how do we navigate a Christian faith that has attached itself to politics and actively seeks to erase our existence as queer people? It is my belief that we must recapture the true meaning of purity and freedom in the concept of the divine.
The heat has been turned up on queer folks, neurodivergent, differently abled people, but we are strengthened by the pressure.
The prophet Malachi, in his minor prophetic writings, instructs that trials are inevitable, yet these trials can cultivate within us a heightened purity and a profound sense of pride in our authentic and divinely ordained design. The analogy of the silversmith or glassblower, as theorized by Malachi, illustrates that while we may endure fiery trials, we remain under the guidance of a divine creator. The fire itself does not represent the divine, but rather symbolizes worldly pressures and expectations that exert a transformative force upon us. It is through this fire that the divine creator extracts and molds us; however, amidst the struggle, amidst the fire, our choices are made and impurities are purged.
In this context, it is crucial to establish a clear definition of purity. This concept should not be conflated with the ideologies promoted by James Dobson's purity culture or the theological tenets of "I Kissed Dating Goodbye." Rather, the type of purity discussed here entails the removal of detrimental elements that hinder personal growth and self-actualization. This process facilitates the emergence of one's authentic self in the world. Purity does not imply inherent worthlessness; instead, it acknowledges that individuals possess intrinsic value, but have been burdened by harmful external systems. Through a transformative process, these detrimental influences can be removed, revealing one's true value.
The images of our communities on the news don't define us. Our maker is responsible for that.
Recently, I made the personal decision to remove most social media applications from my personal devices. I found myself contemplating why I continued to engage with media that was harmful to me, particularly when I would doomscroll. I wondered why I continued to scroll and react negatively to every meme targeting my community with derogatory language when I had the power to disengage. For me, disengaging meant deleting social media from my phone. This became one of the healthiest practices I could have adopted. While social media companies refuse to protect marginalized communities, we, the marginalized, need to make conscious decisions to protect ourselves from these predatory companies. While it may not be practical to completely delete these applications due to professional and other requirements in contemporary society, we must find ways to protect ourselves from algorithmic mistreatment.
I often provide spiritual care to individuals who I know do not agree with my existence in the world. While these beliefs do not hinder the care I provide, there have been times when I am praying with someone for peace and harmony while news outlets playing in the background deliver dehumanizing messages about people like me. It can be challenging to reconcile such hateful messages with the existence of a loving God. In these situations, it is important to prioritize mental health and disconnect from the negativity.
Freedom may be misusing a flag, but the true flag of freedom is found in the divine
The American flag has become a contentious symbol for many, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community. This stands in stark contrast to the traditional narrative surrounding the flag, wherein it represents the American Dream and enduring freedom for all. However, recent sociopolitical developments have led to a sense of betrayal and disillusionment among marginalized groups, who now perceive the flag as a symbol of oppression and bigotry disguised as patriotism.
It is essential to recognize that we should never place our trust in a nation. For individuals like myself, who come from a Christian background, it is crucial to place our trust—not in earthly institutions—but in the freedom that emanates from a divine kingdom. This kingdom is the kingdom of God. The divine calls us into freedom, not from imagined sins, but from the oppression perpetuated by broken systems.
Remember that the world will continue to challenge our existence, but you will emerge stronger. The pressure will only strengthen you. No media representation can define you, and no freedom can be misused to oppress you if your freedom is found in the divine, rather than the nation.
