Beloved Arise exists because too many LGBTQ+ youth of faith are told—explicitly or implicitly—that in order to belong, they must choose between their faith and their queer identity.

For many young people, this false choice carries devastating consequences. The Trevor Project estimates that 1.8 million queer youth in the U.S. seriously consider suicide each year. The shame that leads to these crisis points is often reinforced within religious communities, where young people are taught—directly or indirectly—that queerness is incompatible with God.

Research confirms this harm. A study on conversion therapy found that LGBTQ+ youth are twice as likely to attempt suicide when pressured to change by their parents, and three times as likely when that pressure comes from religious leaders. When spiritual authority is used to deny identity, the damage cuts deep.

Why Mentorship Matters

Queer youth who have been harmed by religion often carry depression, anxiety, and profound spiritual isolation. What many are missing is not belief—but belonging.

Mentorship provides a lived, relational experience of safety and care. For some youth, a Beloved Arise mentor may be the only person in their life who understands what it means to be both queer and faithful—someone they can be honest with, pray with, and share their struggles without fear of judgment or rejection.

Through relationship, we help young people reclaim what was taken from them: dignity, hope, and the knowledge that they are not alone.