One way to increase your overall welcome is to intentionally include bisexual people. The acronym LGBTQ has a “B” for bisexual, but sometimes communities are not as aware or welcoming as they could be. We may say “LGBTQ” but then erase the particularities of bisexual identity. Sometimes we make assumptions about people; for example, assuming […]
Despite the stereotypes of rich white gay men, the reality is that LGBTQ people—as a result of systemic oppression—are more likely than heterosexuals to live in poverty and, therefore, to be food insecure. This is especially true for people of color who face racism in addition to anti-LGBTQ attitudes, the young and the old, transgender […]
Some people use non-gendered pronouns to identify themselves because it better reflects who they are than “he” or “she.” You can make it clear that your congregation welcomes them by creating space to name our own pronouns. And—because we respect the grammar lovers among us—let us assure you that these are perfectly acceptable in English […]
Does your community have a book club or discussion group? Take a look at the titles you’ve read over the last couple of years and consider whether they are fully inclusive of LGBTQ people and themes. Sometimes groups inadvertently adopt suggested lists created for books groups that don’t take into diversity into account when making […]
The right to worship and practice your faith freely is a fundamental American value. Unfortunately, however, laws designed to protect the rights of religious minorities are now being used in an attempt to legalize discrimination against LGBTQ people. The Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) came about after two Native Americans were fired from their jobs […]
No matter how long your congregation has been welcoming LGBTQ people, there is always more to learn. This week, we suggest engaging in some active listening. Think of groups that are underrepresented or often unheard from in your congregation; some examples might be LGBTQ people of color, youth, seniors, bisexuals, people engaged in polyamory, those […]
The spiritual insights and motivation that led your congregation to welcome LGBTQ people can also help you expand your ministries in intersectional ways. After all, there are many ways in which we are called to improve our own communities and our world. CLGS has a resource, An Expansive Welcome, designed to spark conversations in congregations […]