NYC Event: LGBT Stations Of The Cross

Colorful illustration of Christ carrying heavy cross

Last year, acclaimed artist Mary Button created an inspiring series of unique and thought-provoking paintings for Believe Out Loud. Mary Button’s Stations Of The Cross: The Struggle For LGBT Equality invites viewers to see Jesus’ suffering in light of the marginalization of LGBT people, depicted throughout the 20th and 21st century. Join Believe Out Loud in New York City on Sunday,…

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James Rowe Named New Director Of Believe Out Loud

A man in a plaid shirt is smiling in front of a picture.

Intersections International is pleased to announce the appointment of James Rowe as the new Director of Believe Out Loud. Prior to his new appointment, James served as both the Community Outreach Director and Acting Director for Believe Out Loud, working closely with faith leaders, movement organizers and welcoming churches across the country to advance LGBT equality…

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A Kiss Of Solidarity

Two men in hats kissing in front of a sign.

A picture is worth a thousand words, they say. Recently, I learned just how true that is. I’ve written thousands of words over the past several years about how the Church has failed our gay and lesbian family members, friends, and neighbors, and why I, as a minister of the Gospel, seek to welcome and…

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Why I Might Not Get Confirmed In The Catholic Church

St peter's square in vatican.

I have not yet gone through confirmation in the Catholic Church. There is a high chance that I will eventually, but I haven’t right now. In the Catholic Church, it is around this time that kids around my age get confirmed through their own free will or with their parents dangling college tuition money over…

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Attempt To Repeal The School Success And Opportunity Act Fails

A man and woman walking in a park.

Today, the effort to repeal the School Success and Opportunity Act—California’s new law ensuring that all children have opportunities to do well in school—failed to qualify for the ballot. The law—also known as Assembly Bill 1266—went into effect on January 1st, ensuring that schools have the guidance they need to make sure all students, including…

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Russia And The Olympics: It’s Not A Game!

The olympic rings in front of a stadium.

An Italian advocate for transgender rights and former member of parliament was detained at the Olympics for unfurling a rainbow flag with “Gay is OK” on it. Russian officials denied it, but the Italian foreign ministry activated its crisis protocol for Italian travelers in trouble. Russian President Vladamir Putin showed up last week at a celebration party for…

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What I Mean When I Say “Ally”

A table full of papers and stickers on a table.

Lately, there seems to be a lot of talk about whether one can or should call oneself an ally. Who gets to speak up for LGBT equality? What voices should be heard? Silenced? Made space for? A few weeks ago, Rachel Held Evans shared a link to an article entitled “10 Tips for Being  a Good Ally.”…

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Awakening Christian LGBTQ Advocacy In Nashville

A rainbow flag hangs from the door of a church.

“So…do people from Kentucky wear shoes?” I sat there, slack-jawed, trying to comprehend the words that had just come out of her mouth. I had recently moved to Nashville for college, and this was a big change for a girl from rural Kentucky. My new classmate was obviously curious. “I mean, I know your own…

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Learning From Others: A New Year’s Challenge

A colorful firework explodes over a church.

As we move into this New Year, I would like to share and reflect on three stories from my life that have helped shaped my message for today’s blog: A few weeks ago I was working in Ohio. My organization, Integrity USA, is working there to help gay, lesbian, bi, and trans* people get housing, employment,…

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Behind The Scenes: Believe Out Loud’s Internship Program

A man in a black coat leaning on a railing in the woods.

Interns like John are invaluable to our work at Believe Out Loud. Donate today to continue our Internship Program. Hello, Believe Out Loud readers! My name is John, and I was the graphic design intern for Believe Out Loud this past summer. In May, I obtained my BFA from Frostburg State University, and I’ve spent my time since my…

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