Why I protest

I come from a long line of protesters. Not exactly the march in the street variety, but rather the ones who can examine a system that needs changing and go about making the changes. We don’t take things at face value. In fact, what we see is sort of like the first round in negotiations where we ask, “Really?” We figure that just about anything can be changed if it isn’t meeting the needs of the whole.
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My mom is famous for exclaiming, “Who’s rulebook are you using?!” To this day, I am still in search of the grand rulebook manufacturer as there is a need for guidelines in some areas of my life. My mom is also famous for saying, “Rules were meant to be broken (just not hers!).” Yes, I was taught to question everything. And like most things some areas of my life are better than others when it comes to applying this thought process.

Many of us in the family haven chosen vocations that involve working in large systems. We continue to seek improvement by working on school boards, committees, and other similar options. We are change makers and sometimes that means showing up to meeting after meeting and eventually seeing our changes and desires enacted. Yes, it is possible to make change within the system—but you have to be patient and understand that the process of change may mean working and struggling with individuals over a period of time. 

There are times when this isn’t an option—like when lives are on the line. Sometimes it’s important to make a sign and show up at a march or on the steps of a capitol. Sometimes people need to be shaken into action—I’m not talking by violent methods, but rather by assembling large groups in order to draw attention to an issue. 

​That is what is currently happening and I don’t feel like I can take up space talking about the details —I want to give that space to the people who need it most and continue to be ignored by a system set up against them. Some good information about the demonstrations in Charlotte, NC here. I continue to support the movement and work being done for racial justice. If you want to get involved, there is good information here. 

So why do I protest? Why should I care what happens to other people? Why? Because I’m a feeler…because I’m a sensitive human being…because I believe in this crazy notion that all people are created equal and have the right to the same opportunities in life. I was raised this way: Everyone gets a fair share and everyone gets to have access to opportunities in life. I’m a minister and people think I shouldn’t support movements that go against the system. If my family upbringing weren’t enough, my faith tells me that all people are created equal and have the right to the same opportunities in life. Yes, following the teaching of Christ means that you’ve signed on board to a movement that seeks to lift up the marginalized, heal the sick, feed people, and yes—fight against systems that seek to oppress its populations. Somehow the movement has become sanitized to the point that I (and many other clergy) have to remind people that speaking out against injustice is built into the Christian faith. *burst bubble* 

Michigan for Marriage event April 2015

MI Stare Down for trans legislation December 2014

Photo: Indymedia/200,000 gathered: day of protests around world

I’ve spoken out against injustice and in favor of the environment for years; however, my first “real life” protest was while I was in theological school and the protest was against the Iraq war (2003). Many of us from the school got on public transportation and headed into San Francisco from Berkeley. It was amazing. As we were leaving Berkeley, we saw Buddhist monks on the lawn of Cal (UC Berkeley) campus meditating for peace while we were going to gather at the San Francisco City Hall and raise our voices in protest of the war. There were other protests and marches against the war that I joined but I remember that hot day in San Francisco and the crowded subway getting there. 

Black Trans Lives Matter event University of Michigan 2015

Since then, I realize that my body, my voice, my presence gathered with others in solidarity matters. Showing up means that people (perhaps) scared to take on the system have an ally in the work. It shows that the power of people working toward a common goal is a positive thing. I’ve shown up in support of marriage equality, the occupy movement, LGBTQ equality, sensible gun legislation, black lives matter, and more. I will show up, protest, and question the system until we are all free and until we are all safe. It is not only how I was raised but also part of my call to ministry. My faith leads the way.