Daniel Williams, Karen Thompson, Ramish Nadeem, Sheri Allen
Far too often, religious faith is used as a justification for homophobia. From the hatred espoused by members of the Westboro Baptist Church to individual families’ intolerance of their own LGBTQ+ children, homophobic approaches to faith and spirituality have brought violence against queer and trans people for centuries. It doesn’t have to be that way. This panel of faith leaders from various religious backgrounds will address and dispel common religious justifications for homophobia, uplift affirming approaches to theology, and discuss how to create a queer-inclusive community within your faith environment.
Resources Mentioned
Muslim Space (Central Texas-based Muslim community organization)
Homosexuality in Islam: Critical Reflection on Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender Muslims (Book by Scott Siraj Al-Haqq Kugle)
TransTexts: Queerly Created (Resource from Keshet)
Torah Queeries: Weekly Commentaries on the Hebrew Bible (Book by Gregg Drinkwater, Joshua Lesser, David Shneer, and Judith Plaskow)
Inclusive Bible: The First Egalitarian Translation (Bible edition by Priests for Equality)
Mary Daly (Biographical article from Liberation Theology)
Joy Ladin (Trans and Jewish public figure)
Mishkan Ga'avah: Where Pride Dwells (Book about LGBTQ Jewish Life and Ritual)
Keshet (LGBTQ Jewish Organization)
Community Inclusion Guides (Resource from Keshet)
50 Bills, 50 States (Anti-conversion therapy project from the Trevor Project)
Temple Emanu-El (Synagogue in Dallas, TX)
UpRising (Inclusive, non-denominational Christian church in Austin, TX)
Church Clarity (Database of Christian congregations, categorized by inclusivity)
Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity (Organization for LGBTQ+ Muslims)
"I Am Muslim And I Might Not Be Straight: A Resource For LGBTQ+ Muslim Youth (Resource from Advocates for Youth) "
Healing Spiritual Wounds: Reconnecting with a Loving God After Experiencing a Hurtful Church (Book by Carol Howard Merritt)
Congregation Beth El Binah (Inclusive synagogue in Dallas, TX)
Congregation Beith Simchat Torah (Inclusive synagogue in New York City)