September 14, 2025

Subject: A Statement from Mama Dragons Leadership re: Charlie Kirk's shooting

Dear Mama Dragons Community,

This past week has been painful and complicated for so many of us. As leaders, we took time to pause, reflect, and be in deep conversation with our Board and leadership team before speaking more formally. We reviewed our upcoming communications to make sure they were thoughtful and appropriate and were reminded how consistent our message has always been—one of support, growth, and love for LGBTQ+ people and their families. That consistency is what grounds us, even in moments like this.

Mama Dragons was founded to work in the hard spaces and create affirming homes for every LGBTQ+ child. Every day, we see mothers new to this journey joining our community seeking answers and support. We don’t ask what side they are on—we ask how we can help them support their child. That is the heart of our mission.

As a nonprofit that works with many complicated faith, political affiliation, geographical, and personal identity differences, our mission is not to take sides, but to reach hearts and minds. We know the harm of rejection is often amplified for those who are gender diverse and in communities of color, and we are committed to lifting up their voices and supporting mothers of LGBTQ+ children in every community.

We want to be clear: we reject any effort to harm or dehumanize another person—whether through words, actions, or violence. Our role is to create spaces for honest, courageous conversations where listening and understanding are possible, even when agreement is not.

We also want to say this clearly: LGBTQ+ people and their families should never have to live in fear for their safety, dignity, or future. Every person deserves to live free from harm, rejection, and dehumanization.  Please stay safe, be aware of your surroundings and reach out if you are struggling. Lean on your supportive family - by birth or by choice - because you do not have to carry this alone. 

Our commitment remains steady: to support, educate, and empower the mothers of LGBTQ+ children, to create affirming homes for every LGBTQ+ child, and to honor the real, lived experiences of queer people everywhere. This is our mandate, and we will continue to lead with love.

With gratitude and solidarity,

Liz Welch

Executive Director

Mama Dragons Board & Leadership Team