Yesterday marked the deadline for the InterVarsity Purge to be completed, the last day for Queer-Affirming staff to come forward and be “involuntarily terminated” for disagreeing with InterVarsity’s policy on human sexuality. Although several Queer-Affirming staff refuse to be purged and remain, many Queer students no longer feel safe in InterVarsity spaces. Regardless of our theological positions, we have signed this petition with the understanding that firing these staff has been and will be deeply harmful for LGBTQIA+ students in InterVarsity spaces. Many of these students are becoming spiritual orphans in one of the most toxic times for Queer folks in our nation. In the wake of Trump, hate crimes have risen in rapid, terrifying frequency against Black, Latinx, AAPI, Native, Queer, Muslim, immigrant, and differently-abled communities and Womxn. At least eight Trans* youth have committed suicide since Trump was elected, and I fear that more of our Queer family will see death as the only place of safety, in an America led by Trump and Pence, who has demonstrated dangerous anti-LGBTQIA+ stances. National InterVarsity will not repeal their policy on human sexuality anytime soon. Despite this, I pray that InterVarsity chapters hold and deeply love their Queer students and staff. Of all times, this is the time to tell, and continue telling, your Queer siblings that both God and their InterVarsity family love and value them, that you will protect them from hate targeting them, that their fears of persecution are valid, and that they are precious. Pray and tell of love, and at the same time, be workers of love and make these prayers happen and act on your words of love. Hold your Queer siblings. They are pearls. Walk with your Queer siblings when they’re afraid to go to class or use the bathroom alone. Listen to and affirm your Queer siblings’ fears. Speak against hatred and violence spoken and acted against them. Ask your Queer siblings how they’re feeling, even if you are afraid they will be honest or if you cannot fully understand what they will say. Be a sibling to our Queer community. Their lives are pearls, and pearls are being trampled.