Onward, LGBT soldiers!

We know that small-minded people calling themselves "Christians" are on the march. We see that trend every week here at BTL, and this week's news is no exception. From the transgender woman who was harassed at her job to the two alleged lesbian teens who have sued their school for expelling them to next week's state Appeals Court hearing about domestic partner benefits, brought to us courtesy of our Attorney General's appeal in the case, we see evidence of bigotry disguised as Christianity in almost every aspect of our lives.
That's the bad news. The good news is that what some may call the real spirit of Christianity – charity and a dedication to truth – is alive, well, and growing in the LGBT community.
On page 9, for example, we tell you about Gary Ruvolo, who is paying his own money to travel to Africa to plant a garden so that people he's never met will have food. The Rainbow House Project, an alliance between the LGBT community and a real Christian organization, Washtenaw County Habitat for Humanity, has raised the funds they need to plan a groundbreaking this spring. Read about that on page 8, and donate if you can to help a homeless family realize their dream.
On March 28, over 100 people descended on our state's capital to demand that Michigan's schools be made safe for all of our children, straight and LGBT alike. Affirmations Lesbian and Gay Community Center is holding their first "Maybe Baby" workshop to help same-sex couples vault the hurdles of parenthood; a good thing not only for the prospective parents, but for the needy children that many of them will go on to adopt.
In other words, throughout this issue of BTL you will see members of our community working to make life better – not only for ourselves, but for others in need as well.
Granted, it can be hard to care so much for a wider community that so frequently disregards us at best and actively discriminates against us at worst. Just ask the good people of Divine Peace Metropolitan Community Church, who have just lost their new home because of what may have been a mix-up about HUD regulations on the part of Waterford Township. Of course, the township didn't bother to tell the church about that mix-up for three months, leading some to claim anti-gay bigotry. Regardless of the reason, Divine Peace now needs a new home. And, of course, we have our own Attorney General, Mike Cox, who will be leading the fight against providing health insurance to the partners and children of same-sex parents on April 11 in Lansing.
Despite the apathy and bigotry that are frequently directed against us, though, we here at BTL take great pride and comfort in the LGBT community's continuing emphasis on charity to others even as we work for equality for ourselves. Because, even as we demonstrate for our own families on April 11, we remember that people everywhere deserve the very things we are demanding for ourselves; a community where we can walk without fear, the ability to protect and provide for our families, health care and healthy food and a home to call our own.
After all, it's the moral thing to do.