IMPORTANCE OF SAFE SPACES FOR LGBTQ+ INDIVIDUALS IN THE CHURCH

By: Emily Benson

Fostering a supportive environment for the LGBTQ+ community, while also acknowledging the heteropatriarchal approach by which some churches operate, is key in reducing alienation amongst this important community According to a study done by UCLA School of Law’s William Institute, around 50 percent of LGBTQ+ adults in the United States are religious. With this in mind, religiosity and the LGBTQ+ community is an understudied and under observed topic. It is incredibly important that for those who are religious in the community, have a place to attend with open arms and acceptance.

Throughout history, religious principles rooted in heteronormativity have affected LGBTQ+ people’s attendance at church, as well as their ideas of inclusion and exclusion that lie within The convergence and divergence of these heteronormative values amongst these groups of certain religions have promoted both intersectionality in the church, and on the other hand, the spread and reinforcement of outdated homophobic rhetoric

Modern Christian theological and ethical discussions regarding the queer community typically circle back to the reference of same-sex relationships; in Leviticus 18:22 it says, “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.” In Leviticus however, there are various references to anachronistic abominations that do not align with widespread societal virtues of today. These include the prohibition of tattoos, the idea that women are of less worth than men, and that God shuns those who are disabled So how much dependency can individuals really have on Leviticus 18:22 in an argument when promoting homophobia?

Those who quote passages from the Bible to perpetuate discrimination against queer people, will typically gloss over the abominations that directly affect them, such as eating seafood and wearing pants as a woman Devout religious individuals cannot however, like a buffet, pick and choose which principles they should use to condemn a community, and which they turn a blind eye to. This is not a spread of religious messaging, but an excuse to use religion to further impose personal bias and hatred on individuals.

Religion is ultimately meant to provide solace and compassion to those in a world full of uncertainty. It provides explanations for the everyday beauty in our lives So why use that wonderful rhetoric to persecute individuals who are queer? Why not allow these people to experience the same comfort in a place where others do so without worry? Religion is ever changing in order to adapt to modern principles This means that there is a clear separation between the church, and the religious followings, that sometimes condone prejudice towards the queer community

LGBTQ+ church members and priests around the United States like Rev Bryan Massingale of NYC are opening up opportunities for queer individuals to take part in church services safely, as well as redefining the way that we view church clergy Massingale, an openly gay male reverend at St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, vocalizes his disagreement with the church’s belief on same-sex relationships. He unashamedly advocates for the respect, love and protection of queer people in the church.

These safe spaces create options for LGBTQ+ people to take part in religious services without guilt, with freedom and in a space with like-minded individuals Inclusive churches can make all the difference when it comes to queer attendance No matter what religion you practice, dominant cultural narratives imposed by church groups should be examined in order to combat the oppressive systems nationwide It’s crucial that every individual who wants to participate in church services is able to do so freely, with love, support and kindness surrounding them.

Some LGBTQ+ Inclusive Churches in Morgantown:

First Presbyterian Church

Westover United Methodist Church

Morgantown Church of the Brethren

St. Paul Lutheran Church