One in five LGBTQ+ youth say their religion or spirituality is important to them (Trevor Project 2022). However, most churches, mosques, temples, synagogues, and other faith spaces today continue to uphold beliefs and practices that make it difficult for these young believers to belong and thrive.

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 reinforced by religious communities where young people are taught that queerness is ungodly.

According to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, religiosity has been associated with significantly higher rates of suicide attempts among queer youth. 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.

To every young life who has been condemned or cast out, we say "You are beloved!!"