The 52 Ways to Expand Your Welcome to LGBTQ+ People and Our Families Series
People from your own spiritual tradition can be a great resource for improving and expanding your welcome of LGBTQ people! They know the particular challenges and opportunities for inclusion that your denomination faces, along with an understanding of how best to engage your unique religious heritage. They may also have great ideas, initiatives, and resources […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Take some time and learn more about LGBTQ people, especially those in your local community. It is important to understand the joys and challenges that the community experiences beyond the stereotypes. Recognize that there are people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in every racial and cultural group. Do some investigation: Find and explore […]
2 February 2024 During February, Black History Month, honor the contributions of African American LGBTQ people. And don’t limit this to the month of February: honor African American LGBTQ people all year round! There are so many people have had a profound impact on the LGBTQ community, from the days of the Harlem Renaissance in the 1930s […]
26 January 2024 This week we want to emphasize the value of positive messages. LGBTQ people and our families are exposed to homophobic and transphobic messages all the time — from preachers on the car radio, legislators pushing anti-trans bathroom bills, jokes around the water cooler, relatives who don’t understand, and on and on. Or […]