LGBT Parents & Allies

Two women posing for a photo in front of a gold backdrop.

What Will Life Be Like For My Interracial, Interfaith, Queer Family?

By pwsbuilder / May 4, 2015 / Comments Off on What Will Life Be Like For My Interracial, Interfaith, Queer Family?

There’s a scene in the first season of the television show “The Fosters” in which Lena, one of the mothers in a lesbian relationship, helps Jude, her foster son, remove polish from his nails after some kids at school harass him over it. She sits with him and explains that there are times when she…

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A young man leaning against a brick wall.

Catholic High School Wrestler Builds Bridges By Coming Out As Gay

By pwsbuilder / April 14, 2015 /

Cole Fox is a senior at Don Bosco Catholic High School in Gilbertville, Iowa, where until recently he wrestled successfully for one of the state’s top programs. He is also an openly gay Catholic whose coming out and commitment to building bridges are inspirations for all who seek to advance LGBT justice. Until last year,…

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Two men sitting next to a pool.

The Conversion Of A Teenage Homophobe

By pwsbuilder / March 12, 2015 /

Having been raised in a small, conservative church in the Midwest, I was instilled with the notion that there was a clear distinction between “us” and “them.” There were certain people who were perceived as threatening to the true Christian faith. Liberals, atheists, pacifists, and city folks were often mentioned, but there was a special…

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Three people posing for a photo in an office.

For Little Bay: When Discrimination Impacts Our Children

By pwsbuilder / March 5, 2015 / Comments Off on For Little Bay: When Discrimination Impacts Our Children

A year ago, when the Rowse-DeBoer marriage equality case was heard in a federal court in Detroit, I joined marriage equality supporters picketing in front of the courthouse. There I was lucky enough to meet Jami and Krista, a lovely same-sex couple who have since become parents and celebrities (but not in a good way).…

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A black and white photo of a man holding a child's hand.

To Christian Parents of Gay Children

By pwsbuilder / February 25, 2015 /

“You want to shove those words back in and put the lid on. But you can’t. Your child is gay. This goes against everything you’ve been taught. It was not what you had in mind, and you instantly wonder where you went wrong.” When you become a parent, you know to expect the unexpected. But…

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A wooden cross sits on top of a stone wall.

When I Spoke Out, Support Poured Out

By pwsbuilder / February 17, 2015 / Comments Off on When I Spoke Out, Support Poured Out

When I first joined the Many Voices Video campaign, I wrote a reflection on the importance of having the conversation around lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) acceptance in the Black Church—even when we’re not sure how. Since my video voicing my support as an ally and a southern minister was released, one thing is for certain: People…

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A poster for pass l'light with a group of people standing in front of it.

Why We Refused To Cut A Gay Character From Our Christian Film

By pwsbuilder / February 13, 2015 /

Hear ye, hear ye: God’s love is for everyone! This is the central message of our film Pass the Light. Who could dispute such a thing, right? Plenty of people, it turns out. Oh, sure, they will frame it inside “You don’t understand” and “You’re taking it the wrong way,” but from the powers that…

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A rainbow over a house.

How One Pastor Broke The Silence About LGBTQ People

By pwsbuilder / February 11, 2015 / Comments Off on How One Pastor Broke The Silence About LGBTQ People

As the faith organizer for Equality Pennsylvania, I am honored to work with people of faith across the state of Pennsylvania to end discrimination against LGBTQ people. I meet clergy from across the state who support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people. However, many of these faith leaders are afraid to speak up because…

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A rainbow flag hangs from the side of a stone building.

Leading By Example

By pwsbuilder / February 9, 2015 /

It took me a while to get here. Not to the point of LGBT acceptance but to the point of not worrying about what other folks may think of me as the pastor of Exodus Missionary Outreach Church in Hickory, North Carolina. I never had a problem affirming LGBT people. When I was a kid,…

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A church with a cross in the grass.

Having The Conversation—Even When You’re Not Sure How

By pwsbuilder / January 30, 2015 / Comments Off on Having The Conversation—Even When You’re Not Sure How

As a minister of God, it’s important for me to be as inclusive as possible. That is why, when Many Voices asked me to be a part of their video campaign, I didn’t hesitate. My concept of Christianity is based on love, regardless of who you are. When LGBT people come to Mount Vernon Church in Clayton,…

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