It is important, even if you are not an abuse victim, to be an ally and speak out for positive change where it is due. It has been many, many years since I was in the Amish community but I can still remember the oppression.
Numerous Amish, Mennonite and other Plain people have been coming forward on social media to tell their stories of abuse and warning of how widespread and common it has become. There is also a multi-million dollar tourism industry on the line - many ex-Amish face the loss of their livelihood for speaking out on the abuse epidemic as they are employed by a business that caters to the community or hold manufacturing jobs working alongside the Amish. Speaking out against the Old Order Amish Church is seen as rocking the boat. Let the Bishops handle abuse allegations and stay silent.
THE MISFIT AMISH: PRINTABLE RESOURCES
In response to the media coverage (Cosmo, The Morning Call, The Daily Mail, Penn Live, WCIA, Metro, Toledo Blade) of the Amish #MeToo movement the Old Order Amish Church take a page from the Catholic church playbook and hold 'Amish Abuse Awareness Conferences' that have had little effect and the stories continue to come out.
Ex-Amish care deeply about their former communities and families and want to help those still in the community whether it is education on LGBTQ issues like myself or advocating overturning WI vs. Yoder.
I can recall searching for a "gay Amish" book that reflected my identity to no avail. A book about gay Amish by a gay Amish writer. Today there are several:
The Literary Party: Growing Up Gay and Amish in America
Sweeter Voices Still: An LGBTQ Anthology from Middle America
We care. Change is coming!
