A pastor at the Sure Foundation Baptist Church in Spokane, Washington has launched a vicious attack on Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, the first Black and LGBTQ+ person to hold that office. In a recent sermon, Brother Jason Graber called her a “beast” and a “freak,” and went on to use a slur to describe her. He also suggested that Lightfoot is not human and might be an alien. Graber’s comments are part of a pattern of extreme hate speech and discrimination directed at LGBTQ+ people and other marginalized groups by the New Independent Fundamental Baptist (New IFB) church movement, of which Sure Foundation is a part.
Graber has a history of making violent and derogatory statements about LGBTQ+ people, including calling them “AIDS dispensers” who should not be allowed to donate blood or even breathe air. He has also made sexist remarks, such as calling Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene a fake conservative because she is a woman who works outside the home.
While Graber’s hateful rhetoric has been condemned by many, including LGBTQ+ activists and allies, his church has tweeted that it is receiving death threats after calling for the death of LGBTQ+ people so many times. This is a disturbing reminder of the harm that hate speech can cause and the need for stronger measures to combat discrimination and protect vulnerable communities.
Lightfoot, who lost the election last month but is still serving as mayor until April, has not responded publicly to Graber’s comments. However, her experience highlights the ongoing struggle for equality and inclusion faced by LGBTQ+ people and people of color, particularly in conservative and religious communities. As we continue to work towards a more just and equitable society, it is important to call out hate speech and bigotry wherever we encounter it and to stand in solidarity with those who are targeted.