LGBTQ+
Welcome!
Whether you identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or anywhere in-between and beyond traditionally recognized orientations and spectrums, we affirm you. We also recognize the unique challenges you often face in dogmatic communities. No matter where you find yourself on your journey in and out of faith, we hope you find support! Here are some resources to help you out...
Image © Revel & Riot
Resources for You
Looking for crisis support? Inspiring true stories? Whether you're trying to find secular help or an LGBTQ+ affirming place of worship, we've gathered some resources to get you started!
If you're looking for a therapist, please see our Mental Health page. You can also search our Resources by Belief System for help specific to your background. Is your life in danger? Find urgent assistance resources in Crisis Care.
Keep daring to doubt!
TrevorLifeline ~ Feeling desperate or suicidal? This crisis intervention hotline for LGBTQ+ youth offers 24/7 support by phone and daily support by text and chat. Get free help.
Call: 1-866-488-7386
Text “START” to 678678
Coming Out As You Guide ~ Need a little guidance coming out? Not even sure what you're coming out as, or how to talk with your family and friends about it? The folks at The Trevor Project created a 3-step program you can do at home for free. And if you decide not to come out, that’s ok too.
Trans Lifeline ~ This free hotline is open 24/7 for trans, by trans. Need money for a legal name change and ID affirming your gender? They not only provide microgrants, they'll assist you throughout the whole process.
Footsteps ~ If you're a current or former ultra-Orthodox Jew who also identifies as LGBTQ+, there is a place for you at NY-based Footsteps. They offer various programs and resources for those coming out, both as non-religious and also LGBTQ.
Los Angeles LGBT Center ~ Are you a homeless youth? Or a senior who needs affordable housing? The Center will assist you with everything from shelter to therapy to legal aid. See their Health Services and Social Services & Housing for more info!
Orinam ~ Based in India, this organization aims to provide resources for LGBTQ+ individuals and their loved ones. They are atheist-friendly and also offer Sikh and Hindu perspectives of gender and sexual fluidity.
UnErased: The History of Conversion Therapy in America ~ Garrard Conley wrote about his experiences with gay conversion therapy in his bestselling memoir Boy Erased. Then he hosted this podcast exposing the dark side of religious intolerance toward people who identify as LGBTQ+.
Not Your Mission Field ~ For ex-evangelical conversations and well-researched articles reflecting on everything from Christian politics to homeschooling, visit the site of writer, atheist, and trans-grrl Chrissy Stroop. She also has a thoughtfully selected list of resources for ex-fundamentalists and other spiritual abuse survivors.
Max Gets Curious ~ Blogger, speaker, and former fundamentalist Max Tang is passionate about creating community and hope for queer folks who come from non-affirming homes. Follow Max on Instagram for posts about recovery from racial trauma, queer trauma, religious trauma, and ableist trauma.
Muslims for Progressive Values ~ With communities across the globe, MPV believes Islam is inherently progressive, inclusive and egalitarian. Women's rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and economic opportunity for all are just a few of the things they advocate for. Find a local community, listen to their youth podcast, and check out their events!
National LGBTQ Task Force ~ If you still find comfort in faith, there are a ton of religious communities welcoming to LGBTQ+ members, from Mormon to Muslim. See their list of Christian denominations here and other faiths here.
The Christian Left ~ Feel like you're the only progressive Christian you know? The folks at The Christian Left are here to tell you you're not alone. With blogs on liberal Christianity and resources for finding a church that supports female leadership and affirms LGBTQ+ members, this site may be the one that finally speaks your language. Visit their Facebook page to connect with others!
Born This Way Foundation ~ Lady Gaga and her mom, Cynthia Germanotta, aim to make kindness cool, validating the emotions of young people and eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health through high-impact programs and partnerships. Check out their #BeKind21 campaign and build your own Kindness Calendar! Looking for more urgent help? They offer resources for mental health, LGBTQ+ aid, grief therapy, self-harm prevention, domestic abuse safety, and more on their resources for health page. And their self-care tips are spot-on.
We will be adding more LGBTQ+ resources specifically for those who are no longer religious as we find them. If you know of any, or your organization would like to be added to this list, please contact us!
Resources for Loved Ones
Do you have a loved one who has come out to you as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or trans? Or perhaps they prefer not to identify with a gender and consider themselves non-binary or queer? It's okay if you don't know how to respond. Many parents, spouses, and friends aren't prepared for this shift, especially those from religious and conservative backgrounds. If you're here, it's because you care. And that means a lot.
We've compiled several resources to help support you and help you support your loved one during this time.
Queer Grace ~ This Christian organization offers Bible-based advice for both parents and friends of those who come out as LGBTQ+. They also have numerous other articles you may find helpful, including Is It Okay to 'Hate the Sin but Love the Sinner?' and lists of other LGBTQ+-friendly Christian organizations.
Keshet ~ Dedicated to full LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion in Jewish life, Keshet has a special page for parents and families of LGBTQ+ children of any age. Looking for a synagogue, rabbi, or school where your family will feel welcome? Check out their Equality Guide.
Human Rights Campaign ~ Find more faith and religion resources for family members and other loved ones of LGBTQ+ individuals in this extensive list, from Catholic and Christian to Hindu and Mennonite.
Our Fellow American Muslims ~ For Muslim families and friends with an LGBTQ+ loved one, you can find a full list of support organizations here.
My Kid is Gay ~ Or maybe your kid is trans, bi, queer, or lesbian, or asexual or intersexual. If your family's religious, you can find resources to help support you here.
Books from LGBTQ+ Individuals Who Dared to Doubt