There are amazing people of faith around the world who are working to make our communities inclusive, accepting, diverse, and vibrant. This week, we encourage you to get to know some more of them, especially your neighbors from other faith traditions. We can learn a tremendous amount from each other. Working with those from other […]
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 […]
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 people may still […]
During Black History Month–and the rest of the year–honor the contributions of African-American LGBTQ people. There are so many people have had a profound impact on the LGBTQ community, from the days of the Harlem Renaissance in the 1930s and 40s (see, for example, openly gay artist Richard Bruce’s Nugent’s 1947 drawing Jesus and Judas) up […]
What issues are most of concern to your local LGBTQ communities? How could they best be addressed in your area? During this time of Covid-19, 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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
When our families are supportive, it makes a huge difference for LGBTQ people. But not everyone has family support … and the holidays can be especially challenging for some people. As the December holidays approach, make plans now to reach out to those who may be feeling isolated. Think about how the language of sermons […]