52 Ways to Expand Your Welcome to LGBTQ+ People and Our Families: Our 2024 Edition

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The 52 Ways to Expand Your Welcome to LGBTQ+ People and Our Families Series

52 Ways #13: Support LGBTQ Asylum-Seekers and Immigrants

More people than ever before in human history have been displaced from their homes, according to the United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees (UNHCR). Right now, a staggering 20 people are displaced from their homes every minute of every day, adding up to 65.6 million people. Of these, 22.5 million are refugees; fewer than 200,000 […]

52 Ways #12: Address LGBTQ Health Disparities and Hold a Health Fair!

This week – after we have observed National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week (18-22 March 2024) and look forward to celebrating International Transgender Day of Visibility (on 31 March 2024) – now is a good time to consider focusing your attention on LGBTQ health disparities and consider holding a health fair! LGBTQ people experience a number […]

52 Ways #11: Share Your Space (Including Virtual Space!)

Many communities of faith have the blessing of having their own spaces for worship, education, and other programs. Sometimes that gift goes underutilized and is empty for parts of the day or week.  One way to expand your welcome and put your physical – and virtual – space to good use is to make your […]

52 Ways #9: Offer a Genuine Welcome at the Door

When Janet was visiting a church for the first time, they asked the greeter where they could find a restroom.  The greeter responded by asking, in a friendly voice, if Janet would prefer the men’s room, the women’s room, or the gender-neutral restroom.  This told Janet immediately that this church was ready and welcoming of […]

52 Ways #8: Welcome and Support LGBTQ Seniors

Seniors are important members of our faith communities, attending services, volunteering, contributing to committees and much more. There are also many ways our congregations support older adults in need—visiting those who are shut-in or in nursing homes, offering social gatherings and support groups, providing meals and more. The Diverse Elders Coalition notes that there are […]

52 Ways #7: Fully Incorporate LGBTQ People in Your Preaching and Teaching

If LGBTQ people are to truly be able to apply the messages that are preached and taught in our communities of faith, we, like all people, need to hear words that are relevant to our lives. That means using examples and concepts that include people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. This is vital […]