OPEN LETTER: 2024 Democratic LYH City Council Candidates Issue Statement in Support of Queer Town Hall (QTH)
Last week, in the aftermath of the City’s decision to cancel the International Festival, Lynchburg Councilman Martin Misjuns issued a public statement. In that statement, he claimed that local groups intended to disrupt the event and specifically named LYH Queer Town Hall and one of its members as “radical extremists.” That accusation is patently untrue, and utter nonsense. The cancellation of the international festival is a significant loss, especially for our immigrant and BIPOC neighbors.
Queer Town Hall is an asset to our community. Their members are active participants in civic and political advocacy, frequently speaking at School Board meetings and City Council meetings. They provide a safe and welcoming environment for our LGBTQ+ community. They consistently show up to push for more inclusion and more social justice. We are lucky to have Queer Town Hall in Lynchburg.
Councilman Misjuns’ statement is full of truly outrageous homophobic and Islamophobic claims; it would be laughable if it weren’t so dangerous. In addition to condemning his statement, we affirmatively declare:
It is completely inappropriate for public leaders to use their platforms to bully and harass individuals and organizations, for any reason.
People have the right to fully participate in our community, without the threat of intimidation based on their race, their religion, their nationality, or who they love.
Lynchburg residents have a right to peacefully participate in city events without being labeled extremists or disruptors.
We are a better community when we embrace and celebrate our differences. Our LGBTQ+ neighbors should feel safe and welcome here.
Public leaders have a responsibility to lead with civility: hate speech has no place here. Lynchburg, we deserve better. Let us commit, as individuals and as a community, to speak with boldness, whenever and wherever we see efforts to marginalize and threaten our neighbors.
We invite individuals and organizations to join us in signing on to this statement. (scroll to bottom of page)
Randy Smith, Ward 1
Dr. Sterling Wilder, Ward 2
Dr. James Coleman, Ward 3
April Watson, Ward 4
Add your name below in support of LYH Queer Town Hall
Messages Of Support from the Community
“Queer Town Hall has brought nothing but good, inclusive, knowledgeable awareness, events, and love to our community. Condemnation of this group is unacceptable.”
“Our congregation stands with you on the side of love and pledges to fight alongside side you until love finally wins!”
“Keep up the good work. Lynchburg needs groups like yours.”
“I’m a local progressive pastor. We stand with you!”
“I am happy to join our four Democratic candidates for City Council in supporting QTH and all of our neighbors to fully participate in city events.”
“We stand with you. LYH is better together, and divisiveness and hate have no place in our city. You know what does have a place in our city? Queer Town Hall. :)”
“Lynchburg is better with you in it.”
“Lynchburg is better because of our love and diversity, not in spite of it. Thank you, for standing for justice in our town.”
“We are with you 100 percent!”
“Lynchburg is better because you are here”
“Whatever happens, we’ve got your backs!!”
“Love Queer Town Hall!”
“Love that QTH is in our community! Glad for your willingness to speak out!”
“Thanks for your work to make Lynchburg a more welcoming place!”
“I fully support LYH Queer Town Hall and all LGBTQ individuals.”
“I support Queer Town Hall!!!”
“Love unites and strengthens; hatred divides and weakens. Thank you for what you do to enlighten our community.”
Endorsing Individuals and Organizations
A.J. Eccles
Allegra Helms
Amanda Smithson
Alyxandria Bronson
Alyssa Haydon
Amy Clemons
Amy R. Cohen
Amy Morris
Amy Spangler-Dunning
Anghaarad Teague Dees
AR Vaughan
Barb Baker
Barb Sydnor
Baylee Leazer
Berkley Holston
Beth Barbolla
Beth Schubert
Bethany Federico
Bethany Walker
Betsy Hovda
Beverly Adams
Bill Bodine
Bill Bohn
Billy Morris
Bunny Goodjohn
Carly Sheaffer
Carter Hailey
Camm Knight
Carolyn Bell
Carolyn Vaughan
Casey Eccles
Catherine Bates
Chantal OKeeffe
Charles Mann
Cheryl Carter
Cheryl Evans
Cristina Hayden
Christine Terry
Cindy Ferguson
Connor Kenaston
Courtney Alford
Crystal Howell
Cynthia Seng
Dan Harrison
Dave Poole
Deirdra Flavin
Denise Tuttle
Dori Baker
Elizabeth Jenkins
Ellen Nygaard
Emily Crowder
Emily Worsham
Erin Elwell
Erin Friedman
Evan Logue
Ferrell Nexsen
Gail Goldsmith
Gary Sullivan
Gina Dolan-Sewell
Gordon Barnes
Heather Quintero
Heidi Koring
Hillary Neighbors
Jack Thomas
Jack Underwood
James Bonner
James Tracey
James W. Wright
Jan Dunning Willinger
Jana Fedele
Jane Ruehle
Janelle Hendrickson
Jarrett Banks
Jeffery Schneider
Jeffrey Wooters
Jennifer Staton
Jennifer Williams
Jennifer Woofter
Jeremiah Forshey
Jessica Anders
Jessica Wise
JoAnn Martin
Jody VanTassell
Joe Cailles
Joe Crosby
John Lawrence
Johnny Loughridge
Jon Roark
Joy Shaughnessy
Justine Button
Kappa Peddy
Karin Truitte
Kasey Forehand
Kate Albert
Kathleen Davis
Kathleen Olinger
Kathy Gerber
Kathryn Kirkpatrick
Katie Yergler
Kelsey Molseed
Ken Parks
Ken West
Kennon White
Kimberly Morey
Kitty Hahn-Campanella
Kristen ONeill
Kristen Prosen
Lanaux Hailey
Laura Watson
Lauren Alexander
Lauren Rosenau
Lauren Traphagen
Libby Fitzgerald
Lincoln Baker
Linda Jones
Linda Poore
Lisa Coleman
Lisa Pierce
Lisa Taylor
Liz Esbenshade
Logan Anderson
Maggie Millard
Mara Amster
Margaret Vaughn
Maria Niechwiadowicz
Maria Roberts
Marina Pillow
Marshall Wood
Martha Hicks
Martha Kearse
Mary Catherine Garrison
Mary DiSanto
Maryann Novi
Megan Huffman
Melinda Mead
Melissa Baugher
Merry DeCarmo
Michael Friedman
Michele Bauman
Michele Morgan
Michelline Hall
Misty Vinson-Spitzer
Molly Boggs
Nan Dugger
Rev. Dr. Nathan Albert
Neal Sumerlin
Nichole Sanders
Nicki Baugher
Niro Rasanayagam
Pamela Winegard
Pat Young
Peggy Andrews
Penny Millson-Martula
Polly King
Rachel Gagen
Rachel Sledge
Rachael Smith
Rebecca Frye
Rebecca Kilby
Rebecca Spendlove
Rebecca Walker
Ricardo Muñoz-Morales-Torrez
River Segel
Rox Cruz
Ruth Dueñez-Harrison
Sandra Knodel
Sara Beck
Sarah Bonner
Sarah Crosby
Sarah Johnson
Skylar Hansen
Stephanie Cox
Stephen Johnson
Steve Semock
SuEllen Regonini
Sumner Jenkins
Susan Stengel
Talia Ramos
Tasha Gillum
Tehya Logue
Teresa Brennan
Theresa Baker
Toby Braden Johnson
Rev. Terre Balof
Van Hoffman
Vic Sizemore
Victor Millner
Walter Smith
Rev. William Spangler-Dunning
Whitney Hoy