Faith Resources for Non-Judeo-Christian/Abrahamic Denominations

Given the diversity of the LGBT community, it should come as no surprise that the varieties of religious experience (if we may borrow a phrase from William James) is also varied among them. Below are some organizations outside the Judeo-Christian/Abrahamic (Christian, Jewish and Muslim) faith traditions that offer assistance to LGBTQ people and their allies.

Baha’I – Gay Baha’I Story Project: The Gay Baha’I Story Project is a vibrant message board that allows LGBT Baha’I and their allies to share their stories anonymously and confidentially. They also provide information about the spiritual and cultural history of the Baha’I faith.

A Common Bond: A Common Bond is an organization with a worldwide network of chapters designed to support LGBT Jehovah’s Witnesses and their allies. Rather than retaliating or condemning the Watchtower organization, they strive to help LGBT Jehovah’s Witnesses accept themselves and to find to love and genuine happiness in life.

Friends for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Concerns: This organization, comprised of LGBT welcoming and affirming Quakers, has recently changed its name and begun rebuilding its online presence, but it is notable for being a voice for the LGBT community present within the Society of Friends.

The Family Acceptance Project: This organization addresses many of the concerns of Latter-Day Saint individuals who have children who identify as LGBT and uses research to draw the connection between acceptance, support, and healthy, thriving youth. It also has a large amount of data on the importance of family acceptance for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Gay Buddhist Sangha: The Gay Buddhist Sangha provides a venue where LGBT Buddhists and their allies can support one another in their practice and exploration of the Noble Eightfold Path. They are a nonsectarian group that learn from teachers from various Buddhist traditions and strive to use the lessons and practices of their path in their everyday lives.

Hinduism – Galva 108: The Gay and Lesbian Vaishnava Association (Galva 108) is an international organization for LGBT Hindus and Vaishnava. It has online support, detailed articles, and a great deal of information about the Vedic concept of a natural third gender.

Sikh – Sarbat: Based in the UK, Sarbat is an online resource for LGBT Sikhs and their allies. It has message boards for online support, resources such as a Powerpoint about Sikhism’s approach to sexuality and gender, and information about events and programs in London.

Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregations: While all UU churches are open and affirming of the LGBTQ community, many churches go the extra step of becoming officially designated as Welcoming Congregations. In this process, the members vote to do the work necessary to attain the designation, and then undertake a rigorous process of education and self-evaluation, ensuring things like church documents and facilities use appropriate language and signage, and more.