a statement of pride, JUNE 2020

The Beacon Hill Coven of Boston, MA stands in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. We affirm the value of queer lives, and commit to working actively to dismantle homophobia, queerphobia, and transphobia in our local communities and in the Craft at large.

We work diligently to ensure that both our coven and the Gardnerian tradition more broadly are safe, affirming, and spiritually constructive spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals. As Gardnerians, we recognize the magical value of alchemical polarity. However, following long-standing practices in both Wicca and Western Occultism, we do not limit our understanding of polarity to the biological sex of members of the priesthood. We celebrate the value of all queer witches, and especially of transgender witches, in our Craft.

We denounce covens that use so-called tradition to bolster their own bigotry by attempting to limit the Craft to only cisgender and/or heterosexual members. We recognize the inherent magical power in queerness and seek to work with our queer initiates to use that power in ways that are personally transformative and structurally powerful. We oppose all forms of tyranny and oppression and commit to supporting only those leaders and politicians who work toward equality for all.

We are committed to recognizing every one of the Goddess’s children in their full expression of their gender and we reject categorically any allegations that transgender and queer individuals have no place in the Gardnerian tradition. We denounce – unequivocally – the systemic violence that is mobilized against LGBTQ+ individuals and vow to work to ensure the Beacon Hill Coven remains a safe, affirming, space for all, regardless of one’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.