Being LGBTQ+ and Religious If you come from a religious background, coming out can be particularly hard, and might even cause an internal conflict between your LGBTQ+ and religious identities. While many LGBTQ+ people have complicated relationships with religion and stray away from it after coming out, there are also lots of LGBTQ+ people that do continue to practice their religion. The myth that all people within the community have to be nonreligious or atheist can be harmful to other LGBTQ+ people who connect very deeply with their religious identity. It is unfortunately not uncommon for religious spaces to shun or reject people after coming out, sometimes forcing LGBTQ+ people out of the space entirely. The good news is that there are religious communities that are welcoming of the LGBTQ+ community! There are great resources for people of all religions, and Stonewall has a great list of resources across the UK. Below are some more LGBTQ+ friendly religious resources. KeshetUK KeshetUK offers support and resources to LGBT Jewish people. They provide education through inclusion training and visits to Jewish schools, synagogues, and work with other Jewish organizations. They also offer links to other LGBT resources in the UK, and include the work they do with synagogues on their page as well. Contact form page: https://www.keshetuk.org/contact Instagram @keshetuk https://www.keshetuk.org/ OneBodyOneFaith OneBodyOneFaith is a Christian organization aiming to advance Christianity and education for the public about LGBT issues. They also offer a resource map to connect LGBT Christians with churches and communities in their area. Address: 15 Newland, Lincoln, LN1 1XG Phone: 01636 673 072 Instagram @1body1faith https://www.onebodyonefaith.org.uk/ House of Rainbow House of Rainbow is a Christian organization that focuses on creating an inclusive space for Black, African, Caribbean, Asian, and other ethnic minorities to practice Christian traditions. They offer online and in-person worship services for LGBTQ+ people to navigate Christianity and being a person of color. Email: [email protected] Phone: 7521 130179 Instagram @houseofrainbow_ https://www.houseofrainbow.org/ Hidayah UK Hidayah is a charity that provides support for Muslim LGBTQ+ people. They offer a range of online and in-person services to promote the care, connection, and growth of the Muslim and queer community. Address: 3rd Floor, 86-90 Paul Street, London, EC2A 4NE Email: [email protected] Instagram @hidayahlgbtqi https://hidayahlgbt.com/ Imaan Imaan is the UK’s leading LGBTQ Muslim charity. Imaan offers information about being LGBTQ as stated in the Qur’an, and information for parents of LGBTQ children. They also offer a forum for LGBTQ Muslims to seek help, advice, and engage with one another. Address: 159 Mile End Road, London E1 4AQ Email: [email protected] Instagram @imaanlgbtqi https://imaanlondon.wordpress.com/ Galva-108 Galva-108 is an international Vaishnava and Hindu organization aiming to end bigotry against LGBT people within their religious communities. They offer advice on how to select a temple, a guru, and other ways to maintain a connection with your religious identity. https://galva108.org/ Sarbat Sarbat addresses LGBT issues from a Sikh religious perspective. They provide a list of LGBT resources and have hosted events in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, New York, Leicester, and Bradford. They host workshops and support groups for LGBT Sikhs. Instagram @sarbatlgbtsikh https://www.sarbat.net/ Brighton Buddhist Centre Brighton Buddhist Centre is not an exclusively LGBTQ organization, but it offers a wide variety of events and workshops around health, mindfulness, and meditation, as well as Buddhist retreats. They also offer meditation courses specifically for gay, bisexual, trans, and queer Buddhist men. Address: The Brighton Buddhist Centre, 17 Tichborne Street, Brighton, BN1 1UR Email: [email protected] Phone: 01273 772090 Instagram @brightonbuddhistcentre https://www.brightonbuddhistcentre.co.uk/ West London Buddhist Centre West London Buddhist Centre is also not exclusively LGBTQ, but offers retreats, therapies, mindfulness, arts, and other resources. They offer medication courses specifically for lesbian, bisexual, trans, and queer Buddhist women and anyone with a fluid gender identity. Address: 45a Porchester Rd, London W2 5DP Phone: 020 7727 9382 Instagram @west_london_buddhist_centre https://westlondonbuddhistcentre.com/ What Next? MORE READING For more about religion and LGBTQ+ issues, check out Religion + gay sex = guilt?. SUPPORT If you would like to speak with someone about LGBTQ+ issues, call Switchboard at 0800 0119100 between 10am-10pm, email [email protected], or access their web text chat here. If you would like to speak to someone about coming out, family problems, sexual health, or training for your company or provider, contact SupportU. Check out our OutLife Forums for a safe and non-judgmental space where LGBTQ+ people can talk to one another about their issues and life experience. Manage Cookie Preferences