Faith for all
Multi-faith resources for LGBTQ youth
For many queer youth, faith is a core aspect of being a human being. In fact, one out of four LGBTQ youth in the U.S. report that religion is important or very important to them (Trevor Project, 2020).
Unfortunately, religious institutions in the U.S. and across the world are not always supportive of queer identities. In many cases, these places of worship have become unsafe for queer youth who are on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual formation. All too often, young believers are pressured to choose between their faith and their queer identity, a burden that has led to depression, self-hate, spiritual disintegration, and self-harm.
The good news is more faith-based organizations from across religious traditions are rising up to embrace and empower their young LGBTQ siblings. We present a few of these organizations below. We hope you find what you’re looking for to feel fully affirmed and deeply beloved.
If you have recommendations for affirming organizations to include on this list, please email us at hello@belovedarise.org.
Filter Faith by Tradition
Pride in the Pews
Pride in the Pews is a grassroots nationwide campaign aimed at celebrating stories of resilient quee
Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science
NALANDA INSTITUTE IS A DIVERSE contemplative learning community of people devoted to transforming their lives, supporting others in changing themselves and working together to better care for the world we share. They have a LGBTQ+ affinity group that meets monthly to provide support, deepen understanding, and embody the vital work
International Queer Sangha – Paris Plum Village
The purpose of this list is to keep people informed about upcoming LGBTQIA+ retreats in Plum Village centers, local queer sangha events and international online Queer Sangha meet ups.
Rainbow Sangha Brasil
Somos um grupo budista de escolas tradicionais voltado especificamente ao público LGBTQIA+. Nosso desejo é ser uma representação LGBTQIA+ no budismo, e ao mesmo tempo uma representação do budismo junto ao público LGBTQIA+. Formado pela integração de praticantes das tradições como Shin, Zen, Jodo, Nichiren, Vajra e Theravada o grupo visa acolher a todos por uma proposta unificada em como o budismo pode contribuir com respostas para as demandas sociais e espirituais mais urgentes desta comunidade.
Buddhist Peace Fellowship
The Buddhist Peace Fellowship’s purpose is to serve collective liberation through connecting Dharma to the current moment. They convene spiritually and politically engaged individuals from multiple lineages, Buddhist and otherwise, to explore practices to be in wise and compassionate relationship to ourselves, each other, and movements. Their convenings and programs are led by and lift up the voices and priorities of Black, Indigenous, heritage Buddhists, and people of color who share our commitment to ecological anti-capitalism, queer feminism, and racial justice.
Queer Dharma – San Francisco Zen Center
Queer Dharma welcomes those who identify as LGBTQIA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, same gender loving, and two spirit). Each month they share in the spirit of connection, well-being, and authentic presence. Meetings consist of meditation (including instruction), brief talks by Queer-identified speakers, most of whom practice in the Zen Buddhist tradition, and discussion.
JQ International
JQ International is a nonprofit organization that celebrates the lives of LGBTQ+ Jews and their allies by transforming Jewish communities and ensuring inclusion through community building, educational programs, and support and wellness services, promoting the healthy integration of LGBTQ+ and Jewish identities.
Gardena Buddhist Church Ichi-mi
We pledge our best efforts as Jōdo Shinshū Buddhists to provide a safe space for LGBTQ+ identifying people within the Sangha, their family members, and allies, in order to create conditions for everyone to safely hear the Nenbutsu teaching.
Affirmation: LGBTQ Mormons, Families & Friends
Affirmation creates worldwide communities of safety, love, and hope and promotes understanding, acceptance, and self-determination of individuals of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions. We affirm the inherent self-worth of LGBTQIA+ individuals as complete, equal, and valuable persons and support them as they define their individual spirituality and intersection with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Buddhist Churches of America—Center for Buddhist Education
The Center for Buddhist Education is located at the Jodo Shinshu Center which opened in 2006 to serve as a focal point for BCA educational programs, leadership training, cultural exchange and public discussion on Buddhism in the U.S. and global community.
Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity (MASGD)
The Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity works to support, empower and connect LGBTQ Muslims.
Reconciling Ministries Network
Living into our shared baptismal covenant, Reconciling Ministries Network equips and mobilizes United Methodists to resist evil, injustice, and oppression as we seek justice for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
Many Voices
As a Black church movement for gay and transgender justice, we envision a community that embraces the diversity of the human family and ensures that all are treated with love, compassion, and justice.
Keshet—for LGBTQ equality in Jewish life
Keshet envisions a world in which all LGBTQ Jews and our families can live with full equality, justice, and dignity. By strengthening Jewish communities and equipping Jewish organizations with the skills and knowledge they need to make all LGBTQ Jews feel welcome, we work to ensure the full equality of all LGBTQ Jews and our families in Jewish life. We also create spaces in which all queer Jewish youth feel seen and valued and advance LGBTQ rights nationwide.
NQAPIA—LGBTQ Sikhs
The National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA) has compiled resources regarding faith affirming resources for LGBTQ Sikhs. Read More
Sarbat—LGBT Sikhs
Sarbat is a volunteer led group addressing LGBT issues from a Sikh perspective. They provide resources and ways to connect with other LGBT Sikhs. They encourage discussions, tackle homophobia/biphobia/transphobia and build bridges within and beyond their communities.
Gay Buddhist Fellowship
The Gay Buddhist Fellowship supports Buddhist practice and the spiritual concerns of the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies. GBF’s mission includes offering the wisdom and compassion of diverse Buddhist traditions, and cultivating a social environment that is inclusive and caring.
NQAPIA—Hinduism Resources
The National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA) has compiled faith affirming resources for the LGBTQ Hindu community.