Paint and Pages

Nothing erodes our humanity more than cruelty. Evil does not appear fully formed; it begins as thoughts and words: judgmental, exclusionary, and demeaning, often disguised as righteousness or humor.

This is why I write. Awareness and vigilance are the antidotes. In these times, we must be more conscious, more compassionate, and more connected than ever.

Do not allow yourself to become desensitized to the words and ideas that harm. Pay attention. Challenge systemic injustices before they take root.

Now, imagine a world where trans existence is celebrated. Where love is truly equal. Where LGBTQIA+ visibility isn’t merely tolerated but embraced as an essential part of our shared humanity. A world where no one has to justify their right to exist. Where acceptance is not debated. Where every child grows up knowing they are seen, valued, and loved.

Because when we fail to see the humanity in others, we create the conditions for harm to take root.

When you say, “But the Bible says it’s wrong,” you may believe you are simply expressing faith. But words have power. They can plant the seeds of hate that justify cruelty, or they can build a world rooted in love and dignity.

Faith, culture, and tradition should never be weapons of exclusion or condemnation. Every act of rejection, every refusal to affirm someone’s existence, fuels the very pain we later grieve. If we want to break this cycle, we must be intentional; with our words, our actions, and even our silence.

Let’s choose words that spread the love we want for ourselves, our children, our communities.

Sam Nordquist deserved love.

A 24-year-old transgender man from Minnesota, Sam was brutally murdered in New York after enduring over a month of physical and psychological abuse. His life was stolen by cruelty, hatred, and the kind of dehumanization that begins long before violence erupts.

Five people were involved in his death. FIVE. And not one of them said, “THIS is wrong.”

That is what happens when society normalizes hate. When transphobia, bigotry, and violence are excused, ignored, justified, or dismissed. It does not start with brutality; it starts with words, with silence, with small acts of exclusion that pave the way for greater harm.

We cannot claim to stand for love while tolerating the conditions that lead to violence.

Faith and compassion are not opposites. You can pray, believe, and honor your faith while also recognizing that trans people—like all people—deserve dignity, respect, and love.

Instead of judgment, choose kindness.

Instead of fear, choose understanding.

Instead of policing others, focus on how you can live with more empathy, grace, and love.

“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.”

— 1 John 4:20

I am praying for Sam Nordquist.

For his family and friends.

For the communities carrying so much grief and fear.

For the parents terrified for their children.

For those afraid to exist.

For those who pray; that they may be moved to love more, to include more, and to truly reflect the grace they believe in.

But beyond prayer, we must act.

Let’s be voices of kindness, hands that heal, and hearts that remain open. The world changes when we choose to lead with love.

One of the most powerful ways to create change is through storytelling. Books shape young hearts, build empathy, and celebrate identities that have long been marginalized. Sharing these stories helps build the world we all deserve; one where every child grows up knowing they are seen, valued, and loved.

📚🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ LGBTQIA+ Picture Books to Share Love & Visibility

• Julian Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love – A beautiful story of self-expression and acceptance.

• When Aidan Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoff – A touching, affirming story about a transgender boy preparing to welcome a new sibling.

• It Feels Good to Be Yourself by Theresa Thorn – A simple, powerful introduction to gender identity for kids.

• Molly’s Tuxedo by Vicki Johnson – A heartwarming story about gender expression, confidence, and being true to yourself.

• Pink Is for Boys by Robb Pearlman – A joyful celebration of gender equality and the freedom to embrace all colors.

• Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer – A celebration of the many different forms family and love can take.

• Bathe the Cat by Alice B. McGinty – A hilarious, joyful story featuring a diverse, loving LGBTQ+ family.

• Kapaemahu by Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Dean Hamer & Joe Wilson – A beautiful retelling of an Indigenous Hawaiian legend honoring the wisdom and power of mahu (nonbinary) healers.

• This Day in June by Gayle E. Pitman – A vibrant and joyful celebration of Pride parades and LGBTQ+ history.

• Real Sisters Pretend by Megan Dowd Lambert – A sweet story about adoptive siblings in a loving two-mom family.

• Sewing the Rainbow by Gayle E. Pitman – The inspiring true story of Gilbert Baker, the creator of the Pride flag.

🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍⚧️ Support LGBTQIA+ Communities

• The Trevor Project – Crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth

• Trans Lifeline – Peer support and advocacy for trans individuals

• GLAAD – LGBTQ+ media advocacy

• National Black Trans Advocacy Coalition – Empowering Black trans communities

• LGBTQ Freedom Fund – Bail and legal assistance for LGBTQ+ individuals

A more loving world is possible—but only if we build it together.

Let’s celebrate trans joy.

Let’s protect each other.

Let’s create a future where no one has to fight for their right to simply exist.