by Merrilee Wineinger
Sexuality is just one piece of who we are. We are all a lot of things; physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and sexual human beings.
No one should have to hide any part of themselves in a closet; not the way they think, or feel, or look. Not the way the way they worship, who they worship to, or if they worship. Not the way they identify sexually.
Our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI) family, friends, and neighbors deserve the same respect and freedom of judgment that we desire for ourselves.
I believe that everyone is created equal and that every person is of sacred worth, regardless of their sexuality.
My house is made of a diverse and proud family. We celebrate each other uniqueness. Gay and straight, loving one another for who are.
Over the past 12 years, I have been fighting for the rights of the LGBT community. I am a member of the Reconciling United Methodist Caucus, individuals and faith communities united to make full inclusion a reality.
I’m an ordained minister in the United Methodist and my local church is the ninth in our denomination to become a Reconciling Church, where everyone is welcome and free from the fear of judgment and exclusion.
I’m ready to continue to advocate and to eliminate the stigma of being gay, as a member of Congress.
As a representative of the people in the TN 6th Congressional District I will protect the equal rights of the LGBTQI community, and for all.