International Day Against Homophobia May 17, 2006

Wednesday, May 17, 2006, marks the second annual International Day Against Homophobia.

This observance, which originated under the leadership of Georges-Louis Tin, a professor and activist in France, is an important opportunity for LGBT people around the globe to stand together against hatred and the violence it produces. This day also marks an opportunity to celebrate the intrinsic value and worth of all LGBT people, who, too, are created in God's image.

While two-thirds of the countries belonging to the United Nations have officially decriminalized "homosexuality," the reality is that LGBT people the world over still suffer from antiquated HIV and AIDS policies, as well as from religious and societal fear and prejudice that often lead to violence and death.

It is imperative that we join our brothers and sisters in more than 50 countries around the globe who will hold public observances on May 17. From China to Iran to Japan, and in Russia and Sri Lanka and Canada, and throughout the Ivory Coast and Guyana, LGBT people will hold forums, sponsor conferences, host film festivals, conduct press conferences, and demonstrate in the streets for an end to the political, social and religious policies that oppress LGBT people. And together we will  celebrate the values of inclusion and acceptance of all people.

To date, no LGBT rights organization in the United States has stepped forward to issue a call for support or participation. So today I am calling on MCC's friends and members in the United States, as well as our congregations around the globe and all people of goodwill everywhere, to join in observing the International Day Against Homophobia on May 17, 2006.

I encourage you to speak out for justice and against oppression. Participate in a local rally. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. Talk with your friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Forward this Action Alert to your lists. And remember with your prayers all who still experience the injustice of homophobia.

I especially invite your prayers for our brothers and sisters across Eastern Europe, where -- even as I write these words -- MCC is at work this month tearing down walls and building up hope. I also ask special prayers for our brothers and sisters in Jamaica, recently described by Time Magazine as the "most homophobic country on earth."

Together, let us unite our lives in action and our hearts in prayer that ours might yet be a world in which all of God's creation is respected and in which all people are equally valued.

/signed/

The Reverend Nancy L. Wilson
Office of the Moderator
Metropolitan Community Churches

For additional information, contact:

MCC Communications Department
Metropolitan Community Churches
P. O. Box 691728
West Hollywood, CA 90069

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Web: www.MCCchurch.org