LGBTQ Pastoral Care

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

31 October 2025 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 […]

52 Ways #8: Welcome and Support LGBTQ Seniors

24 October 2025 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 […]

52 Ways #7: Learn More about LGBTQ People in your Community

17 October 2025 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: […]

52 Ways #5: Support Banned and Challenged Books

3 October 2025 This year, we observe Banned Book Week from 5-11 October (2025). If you visit the American Library Association’s Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2024, you will notice that 4 of the 10 were targeted because they include positive portrayals of LGBTQ+ people.  When these books are removed or not included in […]

52 Ways #4: Regularly Affirm LGBTQ People and Our Families

26 September 2025 This week we are emphasizing 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 people […]

52 Ways #3: Build Coalitions

19 September 2025 Build coalitions with other communities of faith who are engaged in similar work and are LGBTQ inclusive! Working together in coalition can strengthen our work and remind us that we are part of a larger community. We can accomplish more together than we can as individuals. Find out which other congregations in […]