Queer believers are individuals who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, or genderqueer. They may also be atheists, agnostics, or spiritual seekers. Their religious beliefs vary from traditional Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and other world religions. Queer believers experience sacred community, relationality, and social belonging differently than heterosexual believers. They are often excluded, shunned, ostracized, persecuted, and discriminated against due to their identities and sexual orientations. This results in isolation, loneliness, depression, anxiety, and mental health issues.
Some queer believers have found supportive communities through churches that affirm LGBTQIA+ rights and acceptance. These include Metropolitan Community Churches, Integrity USA, ReconcilingWorks, More Light Presbyterians, and others. Some have started their own independent congregations like Broadway United Methodist Church in NYC. Others participate in online groups such as OutReach LGBTQ+ Christians or Facebook pages for LGBTQ+ Jews or Muslims. Some attend conventions like Gay Christian Network Conferences or Same-Sex Wedding Expos.
The future communal frameworks for queer believers could include virtual reality (VR) spaces for worship services, Bible studies, support groups, prayer meetings, and fellowship activities. VR could create a safe space where individuals can connect with one another without fear of judgement or rejection based on appearance or identity. It could also provide accessibility to those who cannot physically attend in-person gatherings.
It is unclear how these new technologies will affect existing relationships and traditional religious practices.
Another framework could be cooperative housing or intentional communities focused on fostering intimate spiritual connections between members. Queer believers could live together, share meals, engage in devotional practices, and study scripture together. They could explore the intersectionality of gender, race, class, ability, and sexuality within faith contexts. This approach would require significant planning, fundraising, legal compliance, and social capital from participants. But it has potential to transform religious life by challenging binary norms and creating more inclusive spaces.
Queer believers need supportive communities that affirm their identities and welcome them fully into spiritual life. New frameworks may emerge that leverage technology and community building to create sacred belonging through shared experiences of God's love.
How do queer believers experience sacred community, relationality, and social belonging, and what future communal frameworks might emerge to support these dimensions?
Queer believers may experience sacred community through their connection with God or a higher power, which is often seen as inclusive and non-judgmental. They may find solace in religious communities that affirm and celebrate their sexual orientation and gender identity. Relationality can be expressed through spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation, and service, and by forming strong connections with others who share similar beliefs.