From a Megachurch’s Speaker Making Discriminatory Remarks to Stonewall Sports Coming to North Dakota, This Week in Across the Country – SouthFloridaGayNews.com
A group of people in California protested sermons in a church after a speaker made discriminatory remarks against LGBT people, and Stonewall Sports is coming to North Dakota.
LGBT Community Protests Megachurch’s Speaker After Discriminatory Remarks
The Well Community Church in Fresno has invited Denny Burk to host three sessions to focus on the “biblical view” of homosexuality, gender identity and “sexual confusion,” according to the church’s website.
The megachurch’s announcement led to over 20 people protesting the sermons.
“I really hope that the takeaway is that there are many of us who are willing to put ourselves in uncomfortable situations in order to hopefully make a better future for the collective,” said Fresno State junior Isla Dudley to The Fresno Bee.
The Fresno Bee reports that protesters also received many supportive honks and shouts from rush hour commuters driving by Thursday evening — although one man was seen rolling down his window and repeatedly yelling “Freak show!” at the demonstrators.
Jose Solorio, one of the co-organizers, said that the protesters will return for Sunday morning service until the series ends.
Stonewall Sports Makes its Way To Fargo
Stonewall Sports’ national sports director Candi Wills. Photo via stonewallsports.leagueapps.com.
On Aug. 14, Fargo, North Dakota became the 24th chapter for Stonewall Sports.
According to its website, Stonewall Sports is an organization that raises funds for nonprofits through organized sports.
Candi Wills, Stonewall’s national sports director, made the trek from Boston to Fargo to welcome the city into its organization.
“In Fargo, they were like, ‘We don’t have anything for the queer community. We don’t have queer sports,’” Wills said to Inforum, adding that the online membership and turnout for the event came close to rivaling large cities.
North Dakota has been one of many states where their legislatures introduced numerous anti-LGBT and restrictive laws.
“I know people are really excited to be visible in the community, and I can tell you that there are so many cool connections you can make through sport,” Suzanne Blum Grundyson, the Minneapolis representative to the national board, said.