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