After [the crucifixion of Jesus] Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus[e] by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds[f] in weight. … Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.
–John 19: 38-39

Jesus was killed like a common criminal but was buried in a private tomb by two wealthy men. They were closeted followers of Jesus. Joseph of Arimathea was afraid of blowback from the religious leaders of his day and Nicodemus was the one who sneaked in the night to ask Jesus for guidance. He was rich and didn’t want to lose his wealth. In the end, they both risked their lives and wealth to care for Jesus’ body.
Today, it is still risky to come out of the closet as an LGBTQI person. Despite progress on marriage equality and recent legal protection, LGBTQI people still often face disrespect, discrimination, and, in some places, prison and execution. Around the world, fundamentalists want to punish sexual minorities with prison or execution. Families in the US usually avoid talking about sexual minorities which leaves kids to sort out identities on the playground rather than at home or in church. Schools are even banned from talking about LGBTQ people in eight USA states. Transgender people are viciously targeted for beatings and mob violence while political and religious brokers barter for power by fear mongering over bathrooms. 

In The United Methodist Church, LGBTQI United Methodists have struggled for 40 years to find acceptance in the church. Groups like Affirmation United Methodists and Reconciling Ministries Network work to change policies and practices. 

PRAYER:
Dear God, we lift up all those who suffer persecution for being different. We remember how Jesus was killed by a mob who shouted “Crucify him!” and officials who turned their backs and washed their hands. Help us not to turn our backs. Show us how we can be more supportive of people who are LGBTQI. Give us the inner peace and strength to tell our children that there is diversity among people and who they love. Free us to be comfortable with our own bodies that you created in your image.  AMEN