Finding Wholeness In Community

By Believe Out Loud | June 3, 2016 |
Colorful Crayola crayons arranged in a row.

As a parent of two young children, I make many trips to the public library and I read many children’s books. I can be a bit of a children’s book snob, picking what appears to be a high-brow picture book based on the inclusion of a Caldecott or Newbury award sticker, or by literally judging…

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Debate Over Civil Unions Splits Catholics In Italy

By Believe Out Loud | February 25, 2016
A man in a suit giving a speech in the european parliament.

Amidst a heated debate over civil unions in Italy, the country’s prime minister rebuked a Catholic cardinal for saying the Italian Senate should employ a secret ballot on the legislation. Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, who heads the Italian Episcopal Conference, had claimed a secret ballot would allow legislators a conscience vote. In response, Prime Minister Matteo Renzi criticized Cardinal…

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Win for LGBT Equality: Court Says No To Religious Exemption

By Believe Out Loud | January 26, 2016
Two women hugging in a park.

On January 14, 2016 a New York appeals court ruled that an upstate farm that rents out its premises for weddings illegally discriminated against a same-sex couple when it refused to host their wedding ceremony. The court rejected the farm’s claim that the owners’ religious beliefs exempted them from New York’s long-standing equality law. Melisa…

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Historic Congressional Forum Addresses Transgender Violence

By Believe Out Loud | November 19, 2015
The capitol building is in the background.

In an important step towards ending violence against trans people, the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus hosted a forum this Tuesday that brought together advocates and community leaders, including Harper Jean Tobin, the Policy Director for the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE). NCTE joined fellow LGBT activists and advocates to discuss how to address soaring levels…

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GLAAD Leads Millions In United Stand Against Bullying For Spirit Day

By Believe Out Loud | October 15, 2015
A group of people in purple t - shirts posing for a photo.

GLAAD, the world’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy organization, today showcased the participants for Spirit Day 2015. Each year, GLAAD organizes hundreds of celebrities, media outlets, brands, landmarks, sports leagues, faith groups, school districts, colleges, and universities to go purple in a united stand against bullying and to show their support for LGBT…

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Invisible No More: LGBT Elders Of Color Come To The Forefront

By Believe Out Loud | October 5, 2015
Large community gathering with balloons

Alarming statistics in the LGBT elders of color population nationwide has prompted local organizations to tackle disparities as this population is projected to double in the coming years. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration on Aging, the LGBT elders of color population is projected to increase by 217 percent by…

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An LGBT Ally’s Message To Would-Be Allies

By Believe Out Loud | August 19, 2015
Rainbow flag and confetti on cobblestones

Over the past six years my life and beliefs have changed dramatically. Most importantly, I am a former conservative, anti-gay Christian that is now an ally/activist for the LGBT community. But what does it mean to be an ally/activist and what is the reason for the transformation of my beliefs? It all boils down to…

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Putting Faith Into Action: HIV/AIDS Advocacy

By Believe Out Loud | July 23, 2015
A person's hand holding a red aids ribbon.

People of faith often feel called upon to be of service. Volunteering for a social issue they feel passionate about is a popular way to put faith in action. As both a volunteer and volunteer manager myself I have learned a key to being of service is to bring skills, but also leave behind a…

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