LGBTQ Pastoral Care

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52 Ways #36: Encourage and Support HIV Testing

Gay and bisexual men make up 70% of new HIV infections in the United States; communities of color and young adults are particularly hard hit. HIV testing is critical for both individual health and in the efforts to end the epidemic. When people know their HIV status, they can make healthy and informed choices about […]

52 Ways #34: Send them Back to School with Your Blessings | Part 1 of 2

As the summer draws to a close and school starts up again, your support for LGBTQ youth, parents, and teachers can make a big difference. We hope that going back to school – safely and in person, when possible – will be a positive opportunity for growth and learning for everyone; yet this is often […]

52 Ways #33: Increase LGBTQ Visibility Throughout the Year!

While it is important to recognize and affirm key dates and events within the LGBTQ community, your welcome is even greater if you do not limit LGBTQ visibility to those times.  LGBTQ people and their families who come to your worship services, teachings or programs will notice the presence of others who are like them. […]

52 Ways #32: Host an Online Community Forum!

What issues are most of concern to your local LGBTQ communities?  How could they best be addressed in your area?  You might want to consider hosting an online community forum to help raise awareness and talk about how this issue is affecting people in your neighborhood, town or city.  You can invite community members, local […]

52 Ways #31: Recognize the Discrimination that LGBTQ People Face

Did you know that half of LGBTQ people in this country live in states where there are no protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity? Many people think such discrimination is already illegal, but only 21 states and the District of Columbia ban discrimination in employment and housing; one other state, Wisconsin, […]

52 Ways #30: Include Children with LGBTQ Parents

Part of being a vibrant inclusive faith community is creating affirming space not only for LGBTQ people but for our families as well. More than a quarter of same-sex households include children, with studies showing 28.7% of families overall raising children, according to the Williams Institute at UCLA. Among African-Americans, the number is even higher, with 34% […]