The 52 Ways to Expand Your Welcome to LGBTQ+ People and Our Families Series
During this, our 20th Anniversary Year, we have reprised — and updated! — our popular weekly blog 52 Ways to Expand Your Welcome to LGBTQ+ People and Our Families. Every week, for the past year, we have posted suggestions on how your faith community can become more welcoming to – and inclusive of – LGBTQ+ […]
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 […]
Once your congregation has made the decision to welcome and include LGBTQ people, don’t keep the news of your welcome within the walls of the congregation – spread the word! There are many effective ways of doing this, including regular congregational advertisements in the gay and straight press (both online and print); postings on the […]
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, […]
Get ready for next year by planning ahead to recognize important holidays and events in LGBTQ communities. You can work with the leadership of your community of faith to incorporate these into worship, educational programs, outreach events, and more. Select which holidays, events, and commemorations are most applicable to your situation and make plans accordingly. […]