The movement to end religion-based bigotry towards lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender people has made progress over the past several years because people, both gay and straight, have had the strength to stand up and tell their personal stories and demand equal treatment for the LGBT community within their church.
It is important to remember that religion-based bigotry exists in the mind, not the heart. The idea that individuals with anti-gay attitudes hate people who are gay is wrong and we must avoid generalizations. Our work has shown us that people are taught through a literal interpretation of scripture that being gay is a sin and a choice. When individuals hear your story and come to realize that being gay is not a choice (just as straight people did not choose to be straight) there is no longer any virtue in their prejudice or discrimination.
Country singer Chely Wright’s courageous interview with Oprah Winfrey is a tremendous example of the power of personal stories. Watch her interview here. Below are tools and resources that will help you with your efforts to remove religion-based bigotry within your faith community. Remember, personal stories are the most powerful resource at your disposal. Include friends and neighbors who are not gay to serve as validators.
Recognition
Join Chely and hundreds of others by telling your story. When you submit a video, write a letter or host a event. Your actions may inspire many more to act!
How can you get involved?
Step 1: Send a letter or email to your church leadership telling your personal story and expressing the church’s need to support LGBT rights.
Step 2: Record a brief video telling your story and present it to church leadership at their next meeting. If possible, request time to speak and provide them with copies of the video. Bring additional copies for others in attendance. Remember to upload your video and we will share it on our YouTube page.
Step 3: Increase your effectiveness by organizing a letter writing or video event through our events page.
Other Options:
1. Join one of our faith-specific initiatives below:
→Catholic Initiative
→Evangelical Initiative
→Baptist Initiative
→Mormon Initiative
2. Donate to Faith In America to help us further develop resources for the LGBT community.