Faith-based groups are rallying together to counteract the increasing mistreatment of LGBTQ+ communities as Pride Month approaches. This movement, spearheaded by nearly twenty organisations through the Recommit to Pride campaign, is looking to send a powerful message of support, affirming that the overwhelming sentiment among religious individuals in America is one of support for full equality for LGBTQ+ people, a debatable claim they aim to reinforce through public pledges and unified actions.
This coordinated push comes at a time of heightened tension for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. The political landscape has seen a concerted effort to roll back achievements in diversity, equity, and inclusion with corporations withdrawing their support from Pride events, alongside a troubling increase in state and federal policies targeting the transgender community and restrictions undermining public health gains, particularly around HIV/AIDS. As a result, hate speech and violent incidents directed against members of the LGBTQ+ community have become alarmingly prevalent.
Recent polling underscores the severity of the crisis, revealing for the first time a decline in public support for LGBTQ+ equality in the US, down to 75% in 2024 from a previous high of 80%.
The campaign’s call to action includes public demonstrations of support, such as prayers and bold statements from religious communities. Organisations including the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists, Hindus for Human Rights, and the United Church of Christ have all committed to this initiative, seeking to create a united front against the forces of discrimination. Brian Henderson, executive director of the AWAB, highlights the particular plight of transgender and non-binary individuals, stressing the importance of solidarity during Pride Month as a means of fostering inclusivity.
Amidst the backdrop of adversity, Faith for Pride aims to empower faith communities to act decisively in support of LGBTQ+ rights, by providing training on de-escalation and strategies for handling violent extremism.
But not everyone is on board: institutions like the African Methodist Episcopal Church have reaffirmed restrictive policies on same-sex marriage.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://baptistnews.com/article/recommit-to-pride-faith-coalition-urges/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.axios.com/2025/05/20/faith-leaders-religious-groups-recommit-pride-lgbtq – A coalition of faith leaders, organized by Interfaith Alliance, is urging religious organizations to reaffirm their support for LGBTQ+ communities ahead of Pride Month 2025. This initiative responds to growing political and corporate retreat from LGBTQ+ advocacy, including proposed legislation banning Pride flags and marriage equality in GOP-led states, and corporate withdrawals from Pride events. The campaign emphasizes the unique role faith communities can play in defending LGBTQ+ rights and Pride celebrations from anti-LGBTQ+ hate and extremism. The effort includes training faith communities in de-escalation and reporting of violent extremism to protect Pride events nationwide.
- https://www.axios.com/2025/03/04/trump-transgender-orders-lgbtq-poll – An online survey conducted by the Public Religion Research Institute from March 13 to December 2, 2024, reveals that three-quarters of Americans support nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in housing, employment, and public accommodations. This support spans across political affiliations, with 89% of Democrats, 62% of Republicans, and 78% of independents in favor. Despite this, there is a division regarding laws restricting gender-affirming care for minors. The survey highlights stable support for LGBTQ+ rights despite prior modest declines, noted by PRRI CEO Melissa Deckman.
- https://time.com/7012940/anti-lgbtq-policies-impacting-queer-youth/ – According to a survey conducted by the Trevor Project, nearly one-third of LGBTQ+ students report their schools have at least one anti-LGBTQ+ policy. These policies include restrictions on using chosen names or pronouns and accessing gender-appropriate facilities. Such environments lack supportive measures like gay-straight alliances and gender-neutral bathrooms, leading to higher risks of verbal and physical attacks, unwanted sexual contact, and increased mental health struggles among LGBTQ+ youth. The survey underscores the necessity of inclusive and supportive school policies to ensure the safety and mental health of LGBTQ+ students.
- https://apnews.com/article/1a9a4452fd860a8be10149db80d12853 – The African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, the largest independent Black Protestant denomination, recently reaffirmed its stance against same-sex marriage at its General Conference, disappointing LGBTQ+ advocates. Rev. Jennifer S. Leath, a 43-year-old pastor and proponent for change, has been advocating for two decades for the acceptance of same-sex marriage within the church. Despite the church upholding its restrictive stance, Leath continues to push for inclusivity and support for LGBTQ+ members, who often feel alienated or forced to leave the denomination.
- https://interfaithalliance.org/faithforpride2024/ – Faith for Pride is a nationwide initiative by Interfaith Alliance that empowers faith communities to defend LGBTQ+ rights and Pride celebrations from anti-LGBTQ+ hate and extremism. The program offers training in de-escalation and reporting of violent extremism to protect Pride events across the country. Faith communities and individuals can participate by becoming co-sponsors, taking virtual training, and accessing resources to organize against anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and intimidation during Pride events. The initiative emphasizes the unique role faith communities can play in promoting inclusivity and solidarity with LGBTQ+ individuals.
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