RELIGION NEWS SERVICE/ Kathryn Post-
The Grammy-winning band Switchfoot, known for its Christian-adjacent rock music, released a TikTok video with a positive message toward the LGBTQ community on Friday, Sept. 17. The video comes in response to queer Christian artist Semler, who posted a video last week seeking clarity on the band’s stance toward LGBTQ inclusion.
“Yes, I support your rights and freedoms, I want you to feel loved and supported,” said Switchfoot lead singer Jon Foreman in the video. “Love and embrace have always been central to our story and our song. We need our differences.” The video has been viewed more than 21,000 times. Semler’s video, which includes Switchfoot’s response, has been viewed more than 162,500 times. Switchfoot did not immediately respond to request for comment.
In their response video, Semler expressed cautious excitement about Foreman’s statement, but added, “I am interpreting what you said as being affirming. If I am incorrect in that, then I really hope you would clarify. Because I think for many queer people of faith, the bait-and-switch of hearing such encouraging words like yours and then finding out that means something else can be heartbreaking. But I don’t think that’s you.” Continue reading...
