Read about queerness and faith in these MORSL articles exploring the intersection between religion, spirituality, and the queer experience.
Directory of Queer Faith Resources and Groups in Canada and Online
Christian
A Common Bond
- A worldwide support network for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals who were, or still are, associated with Jehovah's Witnesses
- Strives to help LGBT JWs and ex-JWs find self-acceptance
- Acknowledges the anti-gay nature of JW teachings (and seems in large part to skew towards ex-Witnesses), but doesn’t focus on condemning the Watchtower organization; instead strives to help LGBT Jehovah’s Witnesses find self-acceptance
Affirmation
- An inclusive organization for LGBT Mormons, their families, and allies
- Offers a safe space where gay Mormons can ask questions, feel affirmed, and connect with others who have gone through similar experiences
- Offers various online events and groups/communities
Affirm United
- Supports queer Christians to find community within the United Church of Canada; helps foster affirming churches; works to end discrimination in both the church and society
- Their website Includes resources, worship materials, and a list of affirming ministries
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Canada Region - Disciples LGBTQ+ Alliance
- Resources to build communities within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) that welcome persons of all gender expressions and sexual orientations
- Events listing (online events included), list of affirming ministries, and opt-in mailing list
Friends for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Concerns
- A North American Quaker organization focused on affirming and upholding that of God in all people, particularly the members of the LGBT community
Generous Space Ministries (formerly New Direction Ministries)
- A Christian organization that works to dismantle religious-based harm, pursue intersectional justice, and celebrate LGBTQ2+ lives in the church and elsewhere
Q Faith
- Supported by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Canada, Q Faith Community meets online on Sundays. Browse the website for more resources, member stories and more
Seventh Day Adventist Kinship
- Provides a safe spiritual and social community to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex current and former Seventh-day Adventists, their families, and allies
- Offers events (including worship), programming, and theological resources
The Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists (USA)
- Supports Baptist churches in being and becoming affirming of all people, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation
- Mostly US-based, but includes some congregations in the GTA
Jewish
JQueer
jqueermtl [at] gmail.com (Email)|Facebook
JQueer is a community of Jewish LGBTQIA+ students (mostly from McGill and Concordia) and young professionals in Montreal, created through social events, outreach, and education.
Keshet
- Works for full LGBTQ equality and inclusion in Jewish life
- US-based organization, but currently running online events
- Offers relevant online resources and articles (including on Jewish text and tradition, and on queer Jews of colour)
Islam
El-Tawhid Juma Circle
- An inclusive Muslim community, affirming the full equality of all people
- Queer affirming, gender equal, and welcoming to people of all faiths and social backgrounds
- Began at Toronto’s Unity Mosque, but now has several chapters across Canada
Salaam Canada
- Support, social, and advocacy group for queer Muslims
- Currently has chapters in Toronto and Vancouver
Queer Islamic Studies and Theology
- QIST promotes the idea that research into the complex and nuanced consideration of the matter of sexuality including sexual diversity is part of human understanding and part of Islamic studies
- QIST confirms the spaces and activities created by Queer Muslims to align with the sacred mandate of human dignity or karamah.
Amina Wadud (The Lady Imam YouTube channel)
- Feminist and womanist approaches to Islam
- Several talks and interviews by and with Queer Muslims (list of search results)
Sikh
Sarbat
- An organization dedicated to fostering LGBT inclusion in Sikhism
- Campaigns against homophobia, promotes awareness of LGBT issues and resources, and creates mutually supportive spaces for LGBT Sikhs
- Mostly UK-based, but is currently offering online programming
Hinduism
GALVA-108: Gay & Lesbian Vaishnava Association
- International, nonsectarian, mostly online group; mostly subscribes to Gaudiya Vaishnavism (a branch of Vaishnava Hinduism)
- Educates Hindus about LGBTQI people (including the Vedic “third sex”), emphasizes the inclusiveness of Hindu teachings, and serves as a supportive forum for LGBTQI Hindus
- Their website includes an FAQ and positive scripture passages re LGTBQI issues
Buddhism
Gay Buddhist Fellowship
- Based in San Francisco, but all programs are currently online due to COVID-19
- Offers Zoom meditation sessions and dharma talks, as well as an online audio archive of past talks
Rainbow Sangha Network
- Connects LGBTQ+ Buddhists, friends, and allies (in Europe and beyond)
- Shares resources on Buddhism and LGBTQ+ issues (e.g. articles, talks, videos)
Other
Queer Spirit Podcast
- Conversations with artists, healers & activists who enliven, heal & empower the LGBTQ+ Communities
UPLIFT Trans/Nonbinary Monthly Gathering (Unitarian Universalist)
aballou [at] uua.org (Email)
- A monthly gathering focused on trans, nonbinary, and other not (completely or at all) cis UUs. A forum to connect with other trans/nonbinary UUs and to co-create support and intergenerational community.
- Fourth Tuesday of the month at 8pm ET. Register here.
Rainbow Faith and Freedom
info [at] rainbowfaithandfreedom.org (Email) | Facebook | Website
- A global movement based out of Toronto which confronts religious-based LGBTI discrimination.
- Offers support, resources, and events.
