The 52 Ways to Expand Your Welcome to LGBTQ+ People and Our Families Series
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 […]
Create Inclusive Space Congregational space can be exclusive space especially with regard to transgender individuals. For instance, most congregations still do not provide all-gender restroom facilities and this omission can be a considerable barrier for transgender persons who belong, attend, or visit your congregation. Providing at least one accessible all-gender restroom is an important sign […]
Everyone can distinguish a genuine welcome from one that is half-hearted and it is not difficult for LGBTQ people to realize whether they are welcomed or not in a particular congregation. Merely posting a welcome sign or publishing a statement of acceptance does not prove, of course, that a congregation is actually welcoming and inclusive. […]
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, […]
People from your own spiritual tradition can be a great resource. 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 that can help you along. In addition, you can […]
Trans Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual day of mourning that is observed every year on November 20th as a way to honor lives lost to anti-trans violence. The first TDOR was observed in 1999 by Gwendolyn Ann Smith in honor of her friend Rita Hester, who was slain in an act of transphobic […]
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 more than […]