In Topeka, Kansas, there is a church that has gained notoriety for its hatred towards LGBTQ+ people. This church is none other than the Westboro Baptist Church. But right across the street from this church, a new house has emerged as a symbol of love and equality – the “equality house.”
The owner of the house, Aaron Jackson, came up with the idea back in 2012 when he saw that the house across from the church was up for sale. He bought the house and prepared it for a powerful message. Using paints in the colors of the Gay Pride flag, he painted his house accordingly. This act caught the attention of the nation and made Jackson an overnight sensation.
Not stopping there, Jackson went on to establish a global nonprofit organization called Planting Peace, dedicated to advocating for the LGBTQ+ community and supporting sustainability initiatives. His goal was to counter the narrative of hate spread by the Westboro Baptist Church.
The church is infamous for its anti-LGBTQ stance, evident even in the name of their anti-gay campaign, “God Hates F*gs.” This slogan deeply offends members of the LGBTQ+ community, making the Equality House a powerful symbol of resistance.
When the Equality House opened in March 2013, Jackson shared his curiosity about how the church and its members would respond. It was never his intention to “start a war,” but rather to peacefully express his disagreement with their views.
In response to the Equality House, Steve Drain, the church’s spokesman, dismissed Jackson’s efforts as nothing new or original. He referred to the house as the “Sodomite Rainbow House” and claimed that it was just another example of how “sodomy is ruining America.” Drain further downplayed its significance, stating that there were many similar rainbow houses across the country.
The contractor responsible for painting the Equality House, Mike McKessor, echoed the sentiments of many people in the area. He revealed that local contractors were hesitant to take on the job due to fear, but as a veteran himself, he proudly accepted the task. McKessor saw it as an opportunity to stand against the church’s actions, including their protests at Pride rallies and funerals of veterans.
This incident is a stark reminder of the divide within American culture. Despite many individuals striving to do what is right and promote harmony, they often face opposition from those with a political agenda. But for Aaron Jackson and the Equality House, their message of love and equality continues to resonate, inspiring countless others to stand up against hate.
