Read about queerness and faith in these MORSL articles exploring the intersection between religion, spirituality, and the queer experience.
Directory of Queer Faith 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
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
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
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
- A global movement based out of Toronto which confronts religious-based LGBTI discrimination.
- Offers support, resources, and events.
