During Nevada’s recent legislative session, efforts were made to strengthen tenant rights. Yet, many residents in the hospitality and leisure sectors continue to struggle to make ends meet. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, a worker in these industries would need to hold 2.7 jobs just to afford a standard two-bedroom rental.
While eviction diversion programs, tenant protections, and affordable housing initiatives have made some progress, renters consistently point to wage stagnation as the main driver of the state’s housing crisis. These challenges are further compounded by Nevada’s severe shortage of low-income housing options.
“For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well” (Psalm 139:13-14).
Today is International Transgender Day of Visibility — a time dedicated to celebrating the lives, gifts and contributions of transgender people, while also recognizing their ongoing struggle for safety, dignity and justice.
In the ELCA social statement Faith, Sexism and Justice: A Call to Action, we affirm our belief that “God’s intention revealed through the Scriptures is that all people have life abundantly and flourish” (page 2). Today reminds us of our call to love, affirm and support one another — not just today, but every day as an expression of our faith.
In 2026, more than 700 anti-trans bills have been introduced across the country. The proposed legislation attempts to block transgender people from receiving basic rights such as health care, education, legal recognition and even the simple right to exist openly. Such laws cause harm to our transgender siblings.
In our congregational life, harm can take shape through patterns of teaching, language and policy, as well as through silences that quietly communicate rejection — even when no harm is intended.
At times like these, we are reminded that we are one body in Christ — if one part suffers, we all suffer.
As people of faith, we are called to:
Pray with and for our beloved transgender siblings that all might be able to live life abundant.
Advocate for policies that protect human dignity and oppose discrimination.
Act by learning, showing up and standing in solidarity.
The social message on “Gender-based Violence” seeks to raise awareness about the growing level of gender-based violence in U.S. Society. “Gender-based violence” includes, but is not limited to, rape, sexual abuse, physical and sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, and sexual harassment. The message was developed in light of existing ELCA social teaching documents such as statements on race, ethnicity, and culture and sexuality; the message on commercial sexual exploitation and the policy resolution on domestic violence.
Below, you can read or download the full social message on “Gender-based Violence” and “Gender-based Violence Documentation.” This social message was adopted in 2015 by the Church Council of the ELCA.
Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada celebrates the vibrancy and resilience of the trans community. On this Transgender Day of Visibility, we uplift not only those who are able to live openly, but also those who cannot—those who, for their own safety, are not yet able to come out and live fully into their authentic truth in a world that can still be hostile.
We honor you. We see you.
When we choose to live as our truest selves in the face of hate, our very existence becomes an act of resistance. Visibility itself is sacred courage.
It starts with an idea—often from everyday Nevadans like you. That idea is introduced as a bill, debated in committee, amended, voted on by both chambers of the Nevada Legislature, and—if it passes—sent to the Governor to be signed into law.
It’s a process shaped by voices, stories, and advocacy.
As we begin preparing for the 84th Legislative Session, we want to hear from you:
What issues should lawmakers take up?
We’re already hearing concerns across Nevada about:
Rising rents and housing affordability
Higher energy and gas prices
The cost of groceries and everyday essentials
These aren’t just policy issues—they’re lived realities. And your voice can help shape what comes next.
Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada 