TL;DR
- Baylor University hosted ‘All Are Neighbors’ event for LGBTQ+ Christians.
- Turning Point USA held a closed-door event nearby.
- Kelley Robinson emphasized the importance of visibility and advocacy.
- The event drew a diverse crowd, including faculty and community members.
- Debates continue over Baylor’s relationship with the Baptist General Convention.
In a stunning display of progress and inclusion, Baylor University in Waco, Texas, recently hosted the “All Are Neighbors” event, a gathering that brought LGBTQ+ Christian voices to a campus that has historically been a bastion of conservative Baptist values. This momentous occasion unfolded on April 22, 2026, and served as a powerful counterpoint to a closed-door event held by the far-right group Turning Point USA (TPUSA) just down the road.
For the first time, Baylor students were allowed to host prominent LGBTQ+ Christian advocates, including Kelley Robinson, the president of the Human Rights Campaign, and Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush of the Interfaith Alliance. These speakers brought a message of hope and inclusion that resonated deeply with the attendees, many of whom were witnessing such representation at Baylor for the first time.
As Kelley Robinson took the stage, she made it clear that this moment was the result of hard-fought battles for visibility and acceptance. “We are here. On this campus, in this moment, together. Because this didn’t just happen,” she declared passionately. “This moment exists because people spoke up. Because students organized. Because a community decided that if harmful ideas were going to have a platform, then truth would have one too.” Robinson’s words echoed the sentiment of many who have longed for a more inclusive environment at the university.
The event was not only a celebration of LGBTQ+ faith but also a demonstration of the growing tension between progressive values and traditional beliefs at Baylor. The Baptist General Convention of Texas, which has maintained a relationship with the university for over a century, has expressed concern over Baylor’s increasing acceptance of LGBTQ+ identities. They argue that hosting events like “All Are Neighbors” contradicts their long-standing beliefs.
Despite this pushback, the turnout for the event was impressive, with around 270 ticketed attendees and roughly 350 people in total, including faculty, staff, and community members. Baylor English professor Dr. Greg Garrett, who has faced scrutiny from TPUSA in the past, used his platform to advocate for love and understanding. “They don’t understand a Baylor education, and they don’t comprehend my deep faith,” he said, urging attendees to view those with differing opinions not as enemies but as individuals deserving of love.
As the event unfolded, it became clear that faith and inclusion are not mutually exclusive. The speakers repeatedly emphasized that one’s faith should not be a barrier to acceptance but rather a catalyst for it. Robinson’s call for action resonated with many: “You are making the change so many people only talk about. We are fighting for freedom without exception. We are fighting for democracy without exception. We are fighting for joy — without exception.”
In a world where LGBTQ+ rights are under constant threat, Baylor’s “All Are Neighbors” event stands as a beacon of hope, showcasing the power of community and the importance of dialogue. The future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the voices of LGBTQ+ Christians are beginning to find their place in spaces that were once closed to them, and that is a change worth celebrating.