"Welcoming LGBTQ students and connecting them with affirming churches saves lives."

Dr. Taylor,

Samford is dear to my heart, as I’m sure it is to yours. It prepared me well for the future, opening doors to grad school and a social work career that I love. It gave me four years of friendships, extracurricular activities, and support as I navigated young adulthood. It helped me grow.

It’s because of how special Samford is to me that I’m writing to you now. I read about the exclusion of LGBTQ-affirming churches from campus activities, and there was a time I would have understood that decision and genuinely believed that LGBTQ students could still feel welcome and thrive on campus. Unfortunately, that’s not true.

The research shows that LGBTQ students experience disproportionately high rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidality compared to the general population. However, these improve significantly when LGBTQ teens and young adults have family and social support. To put it simply, creating an inclusive environment literally saves lives. Welcoming LGBTQ students and connecting them with affirming churches saves lives. Precious lives that cannot be replaced.

We are either a part of the problem or a part of the solution for those hurting in the LGBTQ community. Please make Samford part of the solution.

Respectfully,

Erica Hochberger ‘02