2021
Annual Report
We help LGBTQ+ youth of faith find belief and belonging.
Since Beloved Arise began two years ago, we’ve served as a beacon of hope for LGBTQ+ youth who have experienced shame and rejection from their faith communities.
We are the nation’s only youth organization dedicated to celebrating and empowering queer youth of faith. Because they are among the most vulnerable members of the LGBTQ+ community, we remain committed to supporting kids who have been told they are unwelcome in God’s family.
These kids deserve to feel hope and wholeness. They deserve to experience the joy of being part of a community that celebrates them for being who they are.
They deserve to know they are beloved.
Queer youth of faith are among the most vulnerable.
One in four LGBTQ+ youth say religion is important or very important to them. (Trevor Project). But sadly, many of these young people face rejection in their faith communities, schools, and their own homes.
42% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year
At least one young LGBTQ person attempts suicide every 45 seconds
Pressure to change increases that risk: A study on conversion therapy found that LGBTQ+ youth are twice as likely to attempt suicide when pressured to change by parents and three times as likely when pressured by religious leaders.
Acceptance lowers that risk: LGBTQ+ youth with access to spaces that affirmed their sexual orientation and gender identity report lower rates of attempted suicide than those without affirming spaces.
LGBTQ+ youth deserve belonging and unconditional love.
Beloved Arise is a movement to fight for the lives of queer youth of faith, particularly those who have been rejected by their faith communities.
We have reached thousands of young people with our message of love over the past two years, building relationships and offering support.
As part of our mission to empower queer youth of faith to embrace life to the fullest, Beloved Arise offers a variety of programs, a community, and resources.
In 2021, we…
Published original content to encourage LGBTQ+ youth – including books, guides, art
Release an original album, entitled "Serenade," featuring songs of love for queer youth.
Encouraged hundreds of youth and young adults at our weekly virtual youth group.
Created access to mental health services for youth and awarded academic scholarships.
Hosted the second annual Queer Youth of Faith Day to celebrate youth from all faith traditions.
Raised awareness for queer youth of faith through national media coverage.
Inspired more than 40,000 youth and allies on Instagram and TikTok.
Impact
To unsung queer youth who feel unseen, unwelcome, unloved. This is our serenade for you.
Serenade is an uplifting new album that explores the hope and heartbreak of living as a queer person of faith. Produced by Kyle and Gretta Miller of Towr’s, this groundbreaking compilation album features ten original songs written and performed by queer musicians and allies.
It is the first-ever album dedicated to LGBTQIA+ youth of faith and serves as anthems for Queer Youth of Faith Day on June 30, 2021.
A message from a parent and supporter
“My name is Heather. I’m a parent and an ally. When I think of you guys, I think of the word ‘love.’ I truly believe that what you’re doing to help queer youth is out of love, deep love.”
[click video to hear more]
Financials
| 2021 Revenue | ||
|---|---|---|
| Individual donations | $200,900.72 | |
| Miscellaneous (e.g sales from our online store, etc) | $3,078.12 | |
| 2021 Expenses | ||
|---|---|---|
| Youth programs & scholarships | $195,677.30 | |
| Administration (insurance, legal fee, bank fee, etc) | $15,489.00 | |
| Fundraising (event, cost of goods sold, donor mgmt tools, etc) | $8,064.00 | |
Looking forward
What’s next in 2022?
Create local Beloved Arise youth groups
Over the last two years, our virtual youth group has drawn hundreds of youth from across the world. This year, we will form over a dozen local Beloved Arise groups in churches and college campuses to give youth and young adults a community where they can fully belong, fully be loved.
Welcome youth from various faith traditions
Our focus so far has been on youth from Christian spaces, but we know queer youth are struggling in many other faith traditions where LGBTQ+ inclusion falls short. This year, Beloved Arise will begin a multi-year strategy to become a resource hub for all queer youth of faith — because we believe every young life matters!
Mobilize allies to take action for LGBTQ+ youth
Through targeted grassroots campaigns and partnerships, we hope to inspire and mobilize allies to take action — influencers and artists, teachers and mentors, clergy and advocates, and everyday people who will make room in their hearts for kids in their local communities who need to be loved. We hope this includes YOU!
Ways to support
Will you stand with LGBTQ+ youth of faith?
Join our network of donors who are fervent queer folks and allies committed to protecting the lives of LGBTQ+ youth.
Do you have gifts to share with queer youth of faith and our community?