Rev. Melissa McQueen-Simmons
Charlotte, NC
“In our often-divided times, it feels especially urgent for people of faith like me to share our stories and help our neighbors understand why we support LGBTQ freedom,” Rev. Melissa McQueen-Simmons said. “And for me, it’s a matter of basic fairness and the Golden Rule: Loving our neighbors as we love ourselves. At the end of the day, we are all God’s children.”
That’s a lesson that McQueen-Simmons learned from her father. She was raised in the Church of God in Christ denomination, where her father served as a pastor. A few years ago, his peers gave him grief for celebrating Melissa’s marriage to her wife and for walking Melissa down the aisle at her wedding. He responded by sharing that he loves his daughter and will support her. “We don’t see eye to eye on everything, but at least we agree that all people are worthy of respect, especially when we are living as our authentic selves,” Melissa said.
“For me, it’s a matter of basic fairness and the Golden Rule: Loving our neighbors as we love ourselves.” – Rev. Melissa McQueen-Simmons
Melissa identifies as a “proud, same-gender loving woman.” She is also a mother, a spouse, and a veteran. “The God that I know – the God that loves me, my wife, and our young child – loves me for who I am,” she said. “The God that I know loves everyone.”
She has been hopeful in 2021 to see a wave of LGBTQ-inclusive nondiscrimination ordinance advance in communities across North Carolina. She was especially pleased to see that her hometown of Greensboro, NC was one of the first in the state to take action, with the City Council voting unanimously in favor of protections for LGBTQ people on January 19. Now she’s eager to see other communities follow suit – including where she lives now, Charlotte. She ultimately calls on state lawmakers and leaders in the United States Congress to take action. It’s time to ensure that no one faces discrimination because of who they are or who they love.
Join Rev. McQuen-Simmons in speaking out! Click here to take action with NC is Ready and send a message to your local leaders.