I can't stop crying. These past two weeks have been a nauseating emotional rollercoaster. Sweeping Executive Orders, controversial appointments, fear and uncertainty. Our state is introducing a bathroom bill next week and I have been working tirelessly to spread the word to allies about this quiet resolution working its way into law. I have been taking solace in the fact that such a bill would likely not pass because of federal law. But this morning, I lost my damn mind.

This is what I woke to this morning:

It's all over the internet. Now, none of the mainstream news organizations are reporting this -- and usually that would give me pause -- but since this could potentially effect my daughter directly, I'm not taking any chances.

As soon as we hit 8am, I picked up the phone to call one of my U.S. Senators. In contrast to my other Senator who has been in Washington for several decades, I have learned in these last two weeks that this one, we'll call L, is different. Despite being a conservative christian from a red state, which typically equates to rude and curt responses for Democrats, in my experience, L's staff is kind, compassionate and attentive. When the staffer answered and I began to explain that I was calling to urge L to push back against any potential EO that hurts LGBTQ folks, I began to cry. I told her that I am a constituent, whose great grandfather helped craft state laws in the home he built, and in which we now live. I told her I didn't want my daughter to become a prisoner in this home because of hateful and ignorant legislation. This home that hosted meetings about how best to affect change in the Boy Scouts' LGBTQ policy. This home that sheltered African Americans during a race riot. This home that has held five generations of people who believe in love and empathy for those who are different from ourselves.

During our conversation, she had to pause for a moment to turn down the radio; she was listening to the National Prayer Breakfast. I told her I work in a church and I believe in the power of prayer, but that I believe as Christians we are taught to love. Jesus didn't tell us to love folks who look just like us, or people who worship just like us, or people who love just like us. He told us to LOVE. And she comforted me as I cried.

I don't know if my message will make the slightest bit of difference, but when the dust settles on this issue, I will be able to tell my daughter I have done everything I can do to help her. I have written and called every single one of my local and federal legislators. I have encouraged my friends to do the same. I have bribed them with guilt and booze and whatever it takes to make them actually pick up the phone.

Next week I am going to the capitol to see my state senator and representative face to face. I am going to fight this with every fibre of my being. And if it all fails and we lose the battle, my sister in England has a couch.

Now watch this video, and remember that we are more the same than different. LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

#Trump #legislation #LGBTQ #senator #religiousfreedom #bathroombills #bathroom