Stand Up for Civil Rights

Freedom Means Everyone

I’ve pastored churches where LGBTQ+ people were afraid to be fully seen. I’ve met teenagers kicked out of their homes for coming out. I’ve listened to people share their stories in whispers—worried about how their family, their job, or their community would respond.

And I’ve also seen the power of people choosing to live openly, love fully, and speak freely—even when it comes at a cost.

That’s why I believe standing up for civil rights isn’t optional—it’s essential. If we say we care about freedom, then that freedom has to belong to everyone.

I’m running for Congress because I believe in equal dignity, equal protection, and equal opportunity for all people—no matter who they are or who they love.

Here’s what I believe:

• We must defend the rights of LGBTQ+ people, including marriage equality, access to health care, and protection from discrimination.

• We need to protect personal privacy and free speech, so people aren’t silenced or targeted for being different.

• And we have to reject fear-based politics that divide us instead of bringing us together.

These aren’t abstract ideas. They’re daily realities for millions of people—your neighbors, coworkers, classmates, and friends. And too often, they’re under attack.

In Arkansas and across the country, politicians are passing laws that restrict books, ban drag shows, target trans kids, and threaten people just for living as themselves. These laws don’t protect anyone. They hurt real people, especially the most vulnerable.

As a pastor, I believe every person is made in the image of God. That includes people who are gay, trans, nonbinary, or anywhere in between. That includes people who believe differently than I do. That includes people who are just trying to live their truth with courage and kindness.

Freedom of religion matters. But so does freedom from discrimination. And the best way to honor both is to build a society where everyone has space to be fully themselves—without fear.

Civil rights don’t take anything away from anyone. They expand the promise of America. They make our communities stronger, our conversations richer, and our future more just.

We’ve come a long way. But the fight isn’t over.

If we want a country that truly stands for freedom, we have to stand up—for the rights of LGBTQ+ people, for racial justice, for disability access, for freedom of thought and conscience.

We don’t all have to be the same. That’s the beauty of democracy. But we do have to agree that everyone deserves to live in safety, dignity, and peace.

Freedom means everyone. No exceptions. No exclusions.

That’s the future I believe in. That’s the campaign I’m running. And that’s the work we’ll do—together.