International Holocaust Remembrance Day

The pink triangle was rediscovered as a sign of pride for the gay community in 1990.

Today, January 27th, is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The pink triangle was a symbol of oppression against homosexuals during the Nazi regime, but it has been reclaimed by the LGBT community as a sign of hope and recognition.

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MLK Day of Service

Martin luther king day of service.

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the MLK Day of Service. The day commemorates Martin Luther King Jr.’s persistent attitude towards bettering society. Individuals and groups are encouraged to volunteer and uplift communities to bring harmony amongst the people — a goal that MLK set his life to do. Martin Luther King Jr. promoted peace…

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Coming Out Muslim: A Believe Out Loud Review

A man standing on stage with a microphone.

Towards the end of 2019, Believe Out Loud had the opportunity to view Coming Out Muslim, a performance by the creative duo Terna Hamida Tilley-Gyado and Wazina Zondon. Chatter from the packed-in crowd produces a hum in the air of the performance space. Tangles of legs line the aisles in an effort to get comfortable…

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Epiphany is Here to Liberate Us

A christmas card with three camels and the word joy.

Epiphany, also known as Three Kings Day, proclaims and rejoices in the revelation of God incarnate as Jesus Christ. In Western Christianity, this day serves as a remembrance of the visit from the foreign, gift-bearing astronomers to the Christ Child. “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they came…

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BOL Bookshelf Review: “I Am Jazz”

An image of a man with dreadlocks and a book.

Welcome to the first installment of The Believe Out Loud Bookshelf! This segment will highlight LGBT-oriented books and authors that are making a difference in the community. The first book to be reviewed on The Believe Out Loud Bookshelf is “I Am Jazz,” co-authored by Jazz Jennings and Jessica Herthel and illustrated by Shelagh McNicholas.…

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Advent Reflections

Four cards with the words faith, peace, and hope.

In Advent, while we await the birth of Jesus, so many things come to life. Lights flicker on trees, wreaths are hung and typical house plants are replaced by festive poinsettias, all seeming to symbolize expectation and arrival, an outward hope. However, the anticipation of a cozy and cheerful holiday is not accurate for many…

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The Jewish Festival of Light

Happy hanukkah love and light.

Today at sundown begins Hanukkah – the Jewish festival of light. Hanukkah commemorates the rebellion and victory of a small and poorly armed group of Jews over the powerful army of Syrian king Antiochus who had brought Judea under his control and subsequently outlawed Judaism, desecrated the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and violently forced Jews…

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Seventy-One Years of Human Rights: Equality in the Community

A blue dove with the words human rights on it.

Tuesday, December 10th, marked the 71st anniversary of Human Rights Day. This year’s theme is “Youth Standing Up for Human Rights.” The youth are the future. Raising them to respect one another despite differences in religion, skin tone, and cultural background, and sexuality is key in creating a safer and more inclusive world for generations…

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Joyful Expectation and Preparation at Advent

A poster with three candles and the words'joyful remembrance and presentations at advent.

Our devotional provides scriptural excerpts, meditations and prayers for all four Sundays in Advent. We created it with the firm understanding and belief that all people should have access to spiritually affirming texts to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Click here to download the devotional in the language…

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World Aids Day

A poster for world aids day with the words we welcome you, we see you, we love you, we are victorious.

On December 1,1988, World Aids Day became the first ever global health day to be commemorated annually. The AIDS movement evolved into an advocacy mission with a global reach that continues to have significant impact on the history of social justice and activism. A report from NPR states that by the mid 1980’s, President Ronald…

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