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Group Descriptions

Coming Out

This group provides a supportive community to gather and address questions and topics specific to those who are discerning if they should come out, are in the process of coming out or have recently come out as LGBTQ+. This group is not driven by study of texts but rather acts as a safe, conversational space with others to process the feelings and potential obstacles individuals may experience in coming out as an LGBTQ+ Christian. The Coming Out 10-week group addresses the biblical passages often used to denounce LGBTQ+ identity or LGBTQ+ sexual ethics, while the 6-week group does not.

 

Coming Out as Trans & Gender Expansive

This group acts as a safe, conversational space to process the feelings and potential obstacles individuals may experience in coming out as a Trans/GEI (Gender Expansive Identities) Christian, and spends some time concentrating on what are known as the LGBTQ+ “Clobber Passages” in scripture.

 

Coming Out Post-Marriage

This group provides a supportive community to gather and address questions and topics specific to those who are discerning if they should come out, are in the process of coming out or have recently come out as LGBTQ+. This group is not driven by study of texts but rather acts as a safe, conversational space with others to process the feelings and potential obstacles individuals may experience in coming out as an LGBTQ+ Christian. This group in particular is geared towards those who are currently married or discerning next steps after marriage. The Coming Out Post-Marriage/MOM group does not address the biblical passages often used to denounce LGBTQ+ identity or LGBTQ+ sexual ethics. Individuals interested in these topics on a deeper level are encouraged to join the Sexuality and Spirituality Small Group.

 

LGBTQ+ Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)

This is a group exclusively for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) LGBTQ+ people. The purpose of this group is to provide respite and community to one another while we bear witness to one another’s journeys and stories, and create space for BIPOC folks to speak candidly and openly about their experiences.

 

LGBTQ+ Seminarians & Divinity Students

This group acts as a safe, supportive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals as they discern their calling in graduate level biblical/theological studies, at the beginning and in the midst of their journey. Whether in the nuance between “welcoming” and affirming schools, the costs involved, or even the reasons for pursuing seminary, this group provides a space for the journey with other LGBTQ+ Christians walking a similar path. 

 

LGBTQ Ministers & Clergy

This group is for LGBTQ+ ministers and clergy to find a place of support and belonging in an affirming community.

 

LGBTQ Catholics

In this partnership with DignityUSA, participants will discuss different forms of spirituality found within the Catholic tradition. Explore Catholic spiritual practices in a safe, LGBTQ-friendly environment!

 

LGBTQ+ Folks with Chronic Illnesses and/or Disabilities

This is a group exclusively for LGBTQ+ chronically ill and/or disabled folks (and their caregivers, if applicable). It is a place to find encouragement, spiritual growth and community. This group is intentionally designed to be conversational and casual in nature, geared towards fostering dialogue, growth and community.

 

LGBTQ+ Folks with Non-Affirming Family

This group provides a supportive community to gather and share life experiences of being an LGBTQ+ person with non-affirming parents. This group acts as a safe, conversational space with others to process the feelings and potential obstacles individuals may experience in being out as an LGBTQ+ Christian.

 

Deconstruction & Reconstruction

This group provides a supportive community to gather and address questions and topics specific to those who are currently or have deconstructed and reconstructed their faith. Following a curriculum guide, this group will address feelings of loss, isolation, grief, and more.

 

Polyamorous / Non-monogamous

This group is a space where polyamorous and non-monogamous folks can connect over their experiences, share resources, and offer each other support.

 

Ace/Aro/Demi/Gray

This group is for folks who are ace, aro, demi, gray, questioning+ and folks on the asexual spectrum to find support, community, and belonging.

 

Trans & Gender-Expansive Identities (10 Weeks)

This is a group exclusively for trans, non-binary, gender-expansive and discerning folks to find encouragement, spiritual growth and community. The curriculum in this group is designed to unequivocally affirm the identities and experiences of transgender/non-binary/gender expansive Christians.  The material itself is divided into sections, each speaking to a different aspect of spiritual wellness. Throughout the weeks there will be time to reflect, complete exercises, and engage with resources outside of the guide material to create a more holistic content experience. The goal of this group is not theological certainty or homogeneity, but ultimately the provision of hope, comfort and affirmation of trans/non-binary/gender expansive identities. Curriculum for this group is based on the Trans and Gender Expansive Identities guide.

 

Parents of LGBTQ People

This is a weekly meeting for parents whose kids have just come out as LGBTQ, as well as for parents who are struggling to reconcile their faith with their love for their child. We'll be focusing on loving ourselves and our children with Christ's unconditional love.

A safe place to explore the flood of emotions and questions arising when your child comes out as LGBTQ+. Led by parents who ""get it,"" have been where you are, and want to support YOU. No ongoing group commitment required. Drop in to find immediate support. Stay connected as long as you need, come and go as you wish. Sign in or be anonymous. The door is open, come on in!

 

Parents of Newly Out LGBTQ+ People (10 Weeks)

Parents of newly out LGBTQ+ children are thrust into a situation where they need to quickly, and often unexpectedly, develop a new language and practice of expressing unconditional love for their child. This group serves as a first step towards loving your LGBTQ+ child well by addressing terminology, theology and more with a group of parents on the same journey. This group is great for parents who are discerning their stance on LGBTQ+ inclusion and affirmation and/or new to conversations around LGBTQ+ identities and theology. The goal of this group is not theological certainty or homogeneity, but ultimately the pursuit of what it means to love our LGBTQ+ children well. Curriculum for this group is based on the Parents of Newly Out LGBTQ+ People guide.

 

Allies (10 Weeks + 6 Weeks)

Christian churches often do not prepare us for when a friend or family member comes out as LGBTQ+. Many friends and family members of LGBTQ+ people are left looking for resources and support groups on their own, struggling to know how to engage with and support their LGBTQ+ loved one. This group serves as an introduction to LGBTQ+ definitions and the practical “do’s and don'ts” of becoming an LGBTQ+ ally. The group also lays the foundation for respectful, constructive conversations with and about LGBTQ+ people and provides further resources and opportunities for allies to advocate on behalf of LGBTQ+ loved ones. If you are a pastor or clergy member, we recommend joining the Clergy group in lieu of the LGBTQ+ Allies group for more specific details on how to navigate conversations around LGBTQ+ inclusion, affirmation, and allyship in a congregational setting.

 

Ministers & Clergy (10 Week + 6 Week)

This group is designed to equip clergy members to create a safer, more equitable environment for LGBTQ+ congregants in their respective church context.

 

Sexuality & Spirituality (10 Weeks)

This group covers various ethical postures considered by members of the LGBTQ+ Christian community, featuring dozens of quotes from additional scholars, theologians, writers, poets, and more. No matter the sexual ethics you have adopted as part of your journey, you'll find this work to be significant and applicable for you. This is our most academically rigorous group and does sometimes require extensive weekly reading and preparation for group discussions. If you are looking for intellectual conversations around spirituality and sexuality, then this group is for you!  Curriculum material for this group is derived from the Sexuality and Spirituality Guide.  If you are LGBTQ+ identifying and in the process of coming out or newly out, we recommend first joining the Coming Out group. If you are an Ally and new to conversations around LGBTQ+ affirmation and sexual ethics, we recommend joining the Clergy, Parents, or LGBTQ+ Allies group(s).

 

Spiritual Practices & Reflections

This group is designed to be a casual space for Allies and LGBTQ+ people of faith to cultivate and share in community by going through different spiritual reflections together.

 

Bible Study: John 3-5

This group spends time looking at three chapters in the Gospel of John, while acting as a safe, conversational space with others to process the feelings and potential obstacles individuals may experience in coming out as an LGBTQ+ Christian.

 

Bible Study: Character of God

This group is focused on biblical study, using QCF's study content as a guide, and is intentionally designed to be conversational and casual in nature, geared towards fostering dialogue, growth and community.

 

Bible Study: Clobber Passages

This Bible Study group provides a supportive community to gather and address questions, topics and passages in the Bible that are used as an argument against LGBTQ+ affirmation within the context of the Christian faith. This study group is a safe, conversational space to process, wonder, and discover information about the Biblical text and its implication(s) for LGBTQ+ Christians.

 

Liberated to Love: a Teaching Series

From the first pages of Genesis to the last chapters in Revelation, we see human understanding of God and God’s relationship to Creation change and shift. This group will empower our community and allies with important teachings that point towards liberation by looking at the life of Jesus—and the arc of Scripture— which should inform our journey towards seeking full affirmation of LGBTQ+ identities.

 

The Good Fruit Project (A Christian Case Against Conversion Therapy)

This group is specifically for parents and allies of LGBTQ+ people, and faith leaders who are looking for a space of belonging to process and discuss the dangers of LGBTQ+ Conversion Therapy ideology and practices. This is not a support group for LGBTQ+ people who have experienced conversion therapy.