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.
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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.
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.
HRC—Coming Home to Judaism and to Self
The Human Rights Campaign has created this guide aimed at LGBTQ Jewish Americans who are on the journey toward living fully in their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and in their faith and its traditions.
Jewish Queer Youth (JOY)
JQY (Jewish Queer Youth) is a nonprofit organization supporting and empowering LGBTQ youth in the Jewish community. JQY fights to ensure the emotional and physical health and safety of these individuals, with a special focus on teens and young adults from Orthodox, Chasidic, and Sephardic communities.