The LGBT rights activists of Equality House, the peace-loving thorn in the side of the Westboro Baptist Church, have further ingratiated themselves to their fag-hating neighbors by painting their house to resemble the colors of the transgender flag to commemorate Transgender Day of Remembrance.
The House, stationed directly across the street from the HQ of the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas, is the work of anti-poverty charity Planting Peace.
“Transgender suicide, as well as murders of those that are transgender, are alarmingly high,” Aaron Jackson, president and founder of Planting Peace, told Huff Po. “I wanted the Equality House to play a role in bringing public awareness to this issue and to let those in the trans community know that we care. It is my belief that if you are an ally for the trans community, it is imperative that you be open and vocal about it. Acceptance and inclusion comes from education.”
Equality House not only talks the talk, but walks the walk. In a six-inch heel, no less. Last month, it hosted a drag show as a fundraiser for Planting Peace’s anti-bullying and human rights advocacy programs. And over the summer, a five-year-old girl sold pink lemonade for peace outside Equality House, to the chagrin of the WBC. Westboro also had some choice words for the lesbian couple that got married across from their watchful, hateful gaze.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Yet, with each negative word or act, Equality House continues to counter with love and positivity. Paint that entire town pink!
Photos: Megan James-Rogers
Dakotahgeo
I am so proud of the Peace House people for doing this. My friend from Chicago and I stopped there Sunday, October 13th, but the guys weren’t home. Best wishes to the Peace house and a big PUM/PEDO* to the Westie Beasties!
*Portugues/Español translation
jwtraveler
I didn’t know there was a transgender flag. Frankly I prefer the rainbow flag, but that’s beside the point. My question is: Other than having a little fun at the WBC’s expense, what are these people doing? If their goal is to annoy the WBC, I guess they’ve accomplished it. But it really seems like they could be doing something more worthwhile with their time.
David Gervais
The owners bought the house themselves specifically to raise awareness of WBC. As I understand it, they used their own money; I think that counts as doing something more.
Harley
@jwtraveler: you mean like the way WBC “pokes fun” at military funerals and how WBC “pokes fun” with their funny little “GOD HATES FAGS” signs at protests around the country? I’m not laughing.
jwtraveler
@Harley: I’m not defending the WBC, but my point, as I clearly stated is: What goal is this house accomplishing? Are their antics having any effect on the actions of the WBC? I don’t think so.@David Gervais: I don’t know who lives in the house, but the money could be better used if they were supporting a shelter for homeless and abused gay youth. There must be a few in Topeka.