As a graduate of the Garland School of Social Work, a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, and a person of faith I speak from personal experience to say research into the harm the church can inflict on LGBTQIA+ youth is imperative. Although I was not subjected to explicit harm by the church, the teachings and beliefs spread about my community growing up caused me to deny who I am, therefore denying the person God created me to be. This internal conflict caused mental and emotional harm I am still working through to this day. I am proud to be part of this institution as a believer in God and LGBTQIA+, I hope I can continue to be proud to say I am a Baylor Bear. Please stand up to outside or inside influence and show the world the true meaning of Social Work, humanity, spirituality, and equity.

Please, "Do Better" Baylor. Our LGBTQ brothers and sisters need you to stand up for them and with them.