Ask a Faith Leader
Questions from the community, answered by faith leaders from our member congregations and communities across many traditions.
Have a question about faith, sexuality, gender, scripture, coming out, prayer, or finding a welcoming community? Ask it here. Faith leaders from our member congregations and communities review and respond, and you can read what others have asked.
- Questions
- 5
- Faith leader responses
- 20
- Traditions
- 3
Am I fully made in the image of God as a transgender person?
People keep telling me that transitioning is "rejecting how God made me." I don't believe that, but the doubt creeps in late at night. I want to hear from faith leaders directly: am I fully made in the image of God as a transgender person?
Can I rebuild my faith after being hurt by religion?
I grew up in a tradition that taught me my queerness was incompatible with God's love. I've spent years untangling that, and parts of me still long to believe. But I don't know what that could even look like anymore. Is it really possible to rebuild a faith after religion itself has been used as a weapon against you?
What does an affirming faith community look like?
I want to try going to a congregation again, but I've been burned before by places that called themselves "welcoming" and turned out to be anything but. When I visit a new community, what should I actually look for? Are there specific signs, words, or practices that distinguish a truly affirming faith community from one that's just tolerant?
How do I come out to my deeply religious family?
My family's whole life revolves around faith and our congregation, and I'm terrified that coming out will feel like a betrayal to them. I love them and I love who I am, but I don't know how to start the conversation, or what to do if it goes badly. What advice do you have?
What do you say about the "Clobber Passages" in the Bible?
Whenever I bring up LGBTQIA+ inclusion with my family, they point me to a handful of verses (Leviticus, Romans, 1 Corinthians) and insist the Bible is "clear." These are sometimes called the "clobber passages." I'd like to hear from affirming faith leaders how you actually read those passages, and what you'd say to someone using them against me.