For young people who are experiencing that kind of fear of… something outside of them saying, “but you can’t be [gay] because God says there is no such thing…” You have to have the courage to say…this is who I am, and if this is who I am, this is how God made me.
– Mary McAleese (ShoutOut: Know Your Queer History Series)
This resource hopes to help show you the connection between being LGBTQI+ and a person of faith. A topic often misunderstood and underrepresented. Some people don’t think that LGBTQI+ identities and being a person of faith can mix, but that doesn’t tell the full story! LGBTQI+ people might grapple with accepting themselves if they come from a religious family. Similarly, religious family members might feel conflicted with accepting their LGBTQI+ relatives wholeheartedly. But here’s the good news, many LGBTQI+ people and their families and communities find ways to bring all aspects of themselves together in joyful and exciting ways.
For many of us, faith and religion play a significant role in how we live our lives. It shapes our values, our morals and our culture. Religion can guide us through challenging times, a light at the end of the tunnel when we feel lost.
It is true some religious teachings have been used to treat LGBTQI+ people unfairly, leading to discrimination and harm. But did you know that in many cultures and religions, diverse sexual orientations and gender identities were not only accepted but celebrated?
Today, we’re seeing more places of worship and religious groups work towards building a better relationship with the LGBTQI+ community. Religious beliefs don’t mean someone’s conservative or is against LGBTQI+ people. Ireland, for example, was considered to be a Catholic, conservative country. Yet, we were the first country to legalise marriage equality through popular vote in 2015! Many religious people choose to be accepting, open-minded, and kind-hearted – fundamental values drawn from their core beliefs and religious teachings.
Despite this progress, LGBTQI+ community and religious communities are still pitted against each other. This can make people feel like they have to choose sides –either you’re pro-LGBTQI+ rights, or you’re pro-religion. Discussions around LGBTQI+ inclusion in religion can quickly become heated and toxic, framing religion as inherently antiLGBTQI+ and the LGBTQI+ community as anti-religion.
But here’s the thing – an LGBTQI+ person shouldn’t have to pick between their gender identity/sexuality or their faith. People are complex, with identities that intertwine together to create a whole unique human being. Religious LGBTQI+ people can face numerous challenges; lack of representation and support, negative mental health, and discrimination.
You may have heard of the term ‘Intersectionality’ before. This concept can help us understand how different aspects of a person’s identity like – class, race, religion, gender identity, and sexuality – can shape their experiences.
For example, a queer Muslim person faces unique challenges due to both their sexuality/gender identity and their religion. They might find it hard to find acceptance as an LGBTQI+ person in their religious communities. They may also face discrimination within the LGBTQI+ community because of their religion.
For many religious LGBTQI+ people, the balance between their faith and their identity as an LGBTQI+ person can become something to celebrate. They may find support and acceptance in their families and faith communities, which help them to be their fullest selves. They may find that the teachings of their faith, and the ethos within, give them a unique way of understanding and accepting themselves, and others – with kindness and without judgement.
This resource aims to give young people a better understanding of the lives of LGBTQI+ people from religious backgrounds, to show you the complexities that come from both being LGBTQI+ and religious. Often LGBTQI+ youth grow up without seeing themselves reflected in the media or the education system. While we’re seeing more queer representation in TV shows and film, rarely do we see an LGBTQI+ person who practises their religion openly.
In this resource, you’ll read stories from LGBTQI+ people from different backgrounds, some practising while others are not, showcasing the diversity of experiences of LGBTQI+ people of faith.
FUN FACT
People not fitting into the gender binary isn’t new! In the 18th Century, there was an American Quaker who, after suffering a severe illness, revealed they were neither male nor female, referred to themselves as The Public Universal Friend and dressed in a mixture of masculine and feminine clothing. They travelled as a preacher throughout the US and attracted many followers who became the Society of Universal Friends. Their theology believed in free well and actively opposed slavery.
No matter your background or personal opinions, we hope you keep an open mind while you engage with this resource. We have an advice column to support you with challenging conversations around religion and LGBTQI+ identities. Maybe you are unsure of how to come out to your religious family, or maybe you want to support the LGBTQI+ community, but not sure because your religion says it’s a sin. Maybe you just want to know if any places of worship are LGBTQI+ friendly!
There’s also a list of organisations where you can find support, along with further resources if this resource sparks your interest!
By exploring the intersection of LGBTQI+ identities and religion, we hope you gain a deeper understanding of the challenges LGBTQI+ people of faith face. But we also hope you see the joy that can be found with being both LGBTQI+ and religious.
Together, we can create a more inclusive and accepting world for all!
———
The word ‘homosexual’ didn’t appear in translations of the Bible until 1946.
Hi, I’m Aisha. I’m 33, and I’m a bisexual, asexual and genderqueer person. I was born and raised in Sri Lanka but travelled a lot for studies and work. I grew up strongly Muslim, and in a very cultural community. My spouse, cats, and I moved to Dublin at the end of 2022, and we love it here!
When in school, or at family events, I was always the odd one out – mostly because I was so awfully uncomfortable with what was expected of me; from how to dress, how to behave, and how to let my future pan out. Coming from a culturally vibrant and rich country like Sri Lanka has its perks, but also has its limitations because we’re expected to be perfect students and daughters, who would one day marry and have kids, and stay at home minding them. I never wanted to marry, and I hated being a girl! I didn’t know any of these were ‘normal’ until after school, and well into my twenties, when I realised, oh, I’m queer.
All this time, I thought religion made us into men and women so we could procreate and then go to hell or heaven based on that: and that being gay or trans was a deviation, and being androgynous was a mistake. It took a lot of learning new things and unlearning old things for me to realise I am, and can be, queer and still close to my culture (if I want to be).
After years of introducing my mom to queer friends and then stories and literature, I was finally able to come out to her. She may not understand what being non-binary, and bisexual, and asexual is, but she’s more understanding and accepting now: as is my brother, and my partner. It’s still something I’m learning about, and I don’t think that’ll ever stop, especially with so much misinformation and hate going around. I’m at a place in life where it’s safe for me to be myself entirely, and to still explore my gender identities. Having other people who were religious and queer helped me understand that queer religious people exist, and that helped me teach my family about queer religious history as well, so they wouldn’t worry about my afterlife too much.
I’m glad I’m able to do that now, and hope you’ll be able to one day, as well :)
Hey, I’m Pradeep. I’m a non-binary person on the demisexual spectrum. I grew up in Mumbai, India, in a liberal Hindu family. I currently live in Ireland, I am the founder of Queer Asian Pride Ireland and Queer Spectrum Film Festival.
I was raised in a Hindu household in Mumbai, where daily worship rituals play a vital role in our spiritual practice. In most Hindu homes in Mumbai, there is a dedicated space called a mandir or pooja room for worship. This sacred space usually contains idols or pictures of deities, lamps, incense holders, and offerings.
The choice of deities varies among families, with common ones being Ganesha, Lakshmi, Shiva, Krishna, and Durga. Each day starts with a morning ritual called puja, where devotees take a bath, clean the mandir, and offer prayers, flowers, fruits, sweets, and water to the deities. A significant part of the puja is the aarti, which involves waving a small fire in front of the deity while ringing a bell, symbolising the removal of darkness and the welcoming of light. Special occasions such as Diwali and Ganesh Chaturthi call for more elaborate rituals, with homes adorned with flowers, rangoli, and additional lighting.
Festivals often involve inviting friends and neighbours to join in the rituals. This daily worship is integral to the lives of many Hindus in Mumbai, providing a means to connect with the divine and seek blessings for themselves and their families.
Although I grew up in this typical environment, my mother never forced me to follow the rituals if I didn’t feel it was necessary. This freedom allowed me to forge my own path, which may differ from the experiences of other queer individuals in India.
FUN FACT ———
Ardhanarishvara - Form of the Hindu deity Shiva combined with his consort Parvati. Depicted as half-male and half-female. One of the most popular iconographic forms of Shiva, found in nearly every temple and shrine dedicated to Shiva in India and South-East Asia.
Hi, my name is Charlie (They/She). I am a grey-ace, demi panromantic, polyamorous, demi woman leaning Genderflux person. I am a proud Christian; for a lot of people that might seem contradictory. I even struggled and sometimes still do with how I can be both.
As Christian, I see God in my life in many different ways. As I started to explore my queer identity more and wondered if God meant for me to be this way, I saw some signs from Him. They weren’t big major life-changing ones, but more like indications saying, ‘yes, my child, this is who you are meant to be’.
Late Night Talking by Harry Styles is a significant song to my relationship with my primary partner. The song is basically about Harry talking about how much he loves all the latenight talks with his significant other in that song. One of my favourite lines is, “now you’re in my life I can’t get you off my mind” which is how I feel about my partner, especially at the early stages of our relationship.
So when the song came on the radio when I briefly went into my kitchen, I knew it was God trying to tell me something. This was during a time when we had broken up for personal reasons. The next day, my partner and I got back together, so to me, hearing this song at that time was definitely a sign from God.
My advice to a teenage me would be: you’ll discover a lot about your identity, and that will bring many challenges. It will take some time. You’ll slowly learn to love yourself as the person God has made you to be, even if it may seem contrary to other Christians’ beliefs.
But remember, you are fearfully, wonderfully and fabulously made and try not to let what others say stop you from being that person.
Hi, I’m Orit, I’m 22, and I’m a trans woman and Ashkenazi Jew. I practise Masorti Judaism, and I am currently studying for a sociology degree.
I was born to an English mother and a Jewish father who unfortunately died when I was young, so as a result, I was never raised with Jewish traditions. I only began to connect to and embrace my Jewish heritage once I entered adulthood, around the same time as I began transitioning.
Initially, I struggled to live fully as both a Jewish woman and a trans woman due to my local queer community primarily being dominated by white people who weren’t always aware or considerate of the nuances that come with being both queer and a member of an ethnic/religious minority. Because of this, I often felt looked upon for believing in Jewish traditions and after growing up in a culturally Christian society, I was always given the impression that being queer and religious were incompatible.
I felt out of place and as though I had to prioritise my queerness over my Jewishness if I wanted to be both. But as I started university and began engaging with the local Jewish community, I realised that rather than having to balance being a trans woman and a Jewish woman, I could simply live as a proud Jewish trans woman.
Both the Reform and Masorti groups in my new city already had queer members who accepted me as a Jewish woman and treated me no differently than anyone else. It was at a Masorti gathering where I first lit the Shabbat candles and made the appropriate blessings (a Jewish ritual traditionally reserved for women). Through studying Jewish mysticism, I also learnt that it was possible for a female soul to be born in the body of a man and vice versa, which finally destroyed any doubts I had, I could truly embrace my ethno-religious identity as a Jew and live as a trans woman.
I would’ve loved it if someone could have told me that I can always say no and stand up to myself in queer spaces if someone wants me to take part in something that goes against my religious and cultural values. You don’t always need to be comfortable with everything you come across.
Even if you come across queer people who see your traditions/culture as superstitious, at odds with queer liberation, or even dealing with other people from your culture claiming that being queer goes against your traditions, the best thing you can do is stand tall and embrace both sides of yourself. Know that you’ve made the right choice for yourself and that no one can take that away from you.
FUN FACT
Changing Attitude
Ireland (an organisation that promotes LGBTQI+ inclusion within the Church of Ireland) led the first Pride Service in Christ Cathedral, Dublin on 25th June 2023. Dean Dermot Dunne remarked on this historic event saying the cathedral “...was proud to celebrate pride with the LGBTQI+ community”
Hello, my name is Fiadh! I’m a trans woman and a lesbian. I’m originally from a mid-sized town in the east of Ireland, where I grew up in the late 90s and early 2000s. I have lived in Dublin for most of my adult life, aside from a handful of years I spent abroad. In Dublin, I have a strong and varied queer community which, in a number of ways, I have helped to form through community organising.
Growing up, I was attached to religion from a young age, it was my favourite class in school, and I loved the stories.
I was also visibly queer from a young age and got bullied for this, which at times took a religious tone to it.
Around the age of 8 this, combined with being exposed to more secular ideas led to a crisis of faith for me, and by the age of 10, I had started calling myself an atheist. However, my interest in religion never went away, and while the rest of the class prepared for their confirmation, I studied world religions.
Over the next two decades, I would explore many faiths, Eastern thought, such as Taoism and Buddhism, interested me greatly, and I tried quite a few on for size in between bouncing back and forth between atheism.
Towards the end of my twenties, I entered a 12-step program and became more invested in the practice of faith in community once more, which has led me back to many elements of my childhood faith while still selecting what makes sense to me from the other traditions I have explored along the way.
Today, I am a trans woman who is comfortable with her gender and sexuality and happy to call herself a Christian because it is about my beliefs, not what others believe about me. Despite feeling rejected by a religious community from an early age, now my spiritual life brings me great comfort and satisfaction. I no longer think myself better or worse than any other believer, and such comparisons no longer bother or interest me.
My best friend just came out as LGBTQI+. I want to be supportive, but my religion says it’s a sin to be gay.
It’s great to hear you want to support your friend. Coming out as LGBTQI+ can be really daunting, your friend coming out to you shows they trust you. You may have conflicting feelings about your friend coming out, especially if you’re worried that it’s a sin to be gay. But most importantly, your friend is the same person they’ve always been – they’ve just now shared more of themselves with you.
It’s important to understand religion and sacred texts are open to interpretation, not every religious person believes being LGBTQI+ is a sin. Many religions share the same core values: compassion, solidarity and treating others with respect. Thinking and reflecting on your religion’s key values can help guide you on how to be supportive of your friend. It might be helpful to look into LGBTQI+ inclusive religious perspectives, you don’t have to abandon your faith to be supportive of your friend. This is a great chance to delve deeper into your faith while also learning more about LGBTQI+ identities/experiences in the context of your faith. You might end up learning something new!
Remember you’re not alone in your journey, you don’t have to know all the answers straight away. Talking to a trusted adult could be helpful, it’s okay to ask for help and guidance. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is just be there for your friend, treating them with the same kindness and care you always have.
The Metropolitan Community Church is an international Protestant Christian denomination which was founded to support LGBTQI+ Christians. The founder Troy Perry officiated the first public same-sex marriage ceremony in the US in 1968 (though it wasn’t legally recongised at that time).
In a survey done by Pew Research Center (2017), 65% of Catholics in Ireland support gay marriage.
I am non-binary, but my family says that God only made men and women, and God doesn’t make mistakes.
It can be challenging to not only come out as non-binary but also dealing with family members who don’t understand. Discovering who you are and embracing your gender identity is a huge, courageous step. You might be feeling hurt or upset, it’s important to recognise those feelings, and it’s not your fault for how your family reacted.
‘God doesn’t make mistakes’ is a belief many religious people hold, but this can be interpreted many different ways. It can be used to affirm trans and non-binary people, that God created everyone uniquely and with great care – and that includes their gender identities.
Different people have different reactions to someone coming out, so it is important to remember that although your family may not understand your identity right away, their feelings may change. It may take time for your family to understand you being non-binary. In the meantime, it could be helpful to connect with other trans and non-binary people for support. Many non-binary people have been in your shoes, and it can be a relief to know you are not alone in your journey.
If you feel comfortable and safe to do so, you might consider sharing some resources on non-binary genders and faith with your family – there are some at the end of this book. You can also try having an open and honest conversation with them – telling them about your identity and what being nonbinary means to you. Pointing them towards trans/non-binary organisations and support groups can relieve some of the pressure of explaining your gender off of you.
You deserve to be loved and celebrated for who you are. You deserve to feel welcomed in your community and your family. Even if your family struggles to understand at first, there are many people who see you and accept you for who you are.
I want to come out to my family, but they are very religious. I don’t know how to tell them.
Coming out to family can be daunting, especially if you’re unsure how they’ll react due to religious beliefs. It’s normal to feel nervous, take your time and do what feels most comfortable to you.
Remember, you don’t have to come out until you’re ready. There’s no right or wrong time. No one should pressure you to come out. Your well-being matters, so if now doesn’t feel safe, it’s okay to wait. You don’t have to come out to everyone all at once, maybe there’s a more open family member you want to tell first!
It could help to see what your family’s views are first before you come out. You could mention a celebrity who shares your identity to see how they react. This can give you some insight on how to start the conversation.
There’s no single way to come out, do what works best for you! You can choose to sit down and talk, write a letter, or send a message. Different approaches might work for different family members. It might also be helpful to have someone there with you for support.
Prepare for a range of reactions. Your family may surprise you with their acceptance, or they might need time to process. If things become difficult, it’s okay to step back and let them come to terms with it.
You haven’t done anything wrong – being LGBTQI+ doesn’t conflict with faith, and the two can coexist. It can help to point your family towards religious communities that celebrate LGBTQI+ people, and make sure you have your own support network as well, whether it’s friends, a counsellor, or an LGBTQI+ faith group.
Gender Queer people have existed - openly - in South Asia for at least 2000 years. Some people may call them trans, but locally, they’re known as the third gender, or Hijra. Following colonisation by the British, the Hijras were stigmatised and persecuted as they were foreign concepts to Christianity. Now, however, they are recognised as equal citizens in India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh, to name a few.
I’m a queer person of faith, I am very proud of both my religion and my queer identity. But lately, some of my queer friends have been saying that all religions are homophobic, and it really hurts my feelings. How do I talk to them about this?
It can be hurtful to hear your friends make broad statements about religion without considering the lived experiences of LGBTQI+ people who are religious or faithful. Like how many people make assumptions about LGBTQI+ people, the same can happen within the queer community about religion. When LGBTQI+ people make assumptions like this, it often comes from a place of hurt. They might have been rejected or shamed by their communities due to religious beliefs. But that’s not an excuse to be dismissive of your experiences and hurt your feelings in that way.
While it shouldn’t be on you to educate your friends, you might want to share some information about your faith and share resources from LGBTQI+ inclusive religious communities/leaders. You might share how your LGBTQI+ identity and faith are connected, how your faith has brought you comfort and support as an LGBTQI+ person. Encouraging an open and honest dialogue can help bust myths around LGBTQI+ people and religion. Your friends might not change their minds overnight, but this can help break down their negative assumptions.
It’s also okay to set boundaries with your friends if they continue to dismiss your experiences, you deserve to be respected as both an LGBTQI+ person and a person of faith. It might be helpful to find support through LGBTQI+ inclusive religious spaces, you shouldn’t feel like you have to choose between your faith and your LGBTQI+ identity.
Ursula Halligan
Ursula Halligan is an Irish journalist who formally worked as a TV3 political editor. She played a significant role in the marriage equality campaign and came out publicly a week before the referendum. She is a lesbian and also a Catholic.
Mary McAleese
Mary McAleese is an Irish activist, lawyer, academic and former politician. She was the eighth president of Ireland. She’s an LGBTQI+ ally and a Catholic.
France
Tan France is a British-American fashion designer and best known as the fashion expert on Queer Eye. He has been vocal about the colourism, racism and Islamophobia he has endured throughout his life, including in his memoir Naturally Tan (2019).
Adiba Jaigirdar is a BangladeshiIrish writer. Her novels include The Henna Wars, Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating and most recently, Rani Choudhury Must Die. Her writing is inspired by her experiences as a queer Muslim woman of colour.
Sufjan Stevens is an American musician and Christian. His music explores themes of love, religion, outer space and grief. In October 2023, he dedicated his latest album, Javelin, to his late partner Evans Richardson, who died in April of the same year. This was the first time he publicly discussed his sexuality.
Jinkx Monsoon is an American drag queen, actress and singer. Although she was raised Catholic, she discovered Russian-Jewish ancestry on her mother’s side. Her drag persona, Jinkx, is a way of her reconnecting to her Jewish heritage.
Amrou Al-Kadhi
Amrou Al-Kadhi is a BritishIraqi writer, drag performer and filmmaker whose main focus is queer identity, cultural representation and race. Their autobiography Life as a Union: A Journey From Shame to Pride tells the story of how they began to understand Islam in a new, queer way.
Mal Blum is an American songwriter and musician. In 2019, they toured with Lucy Dacus and has also appeared as a musical guest on the Welcome To Night Vale Podcast. They are openly transgender, queer and Jewish, which heavily influences their music.
Allies:
People who identify as cisgender (see cis below) and/or straight and believe in social and legal equality for LGBTQIA+ people. LGBTQIA+ people can (and should!) also be allies to other members of the community, e.g. a lesbian can be an ally to trans people.
Asexual:
Refers to someone who has little to no sexual attraction or desire for sexual relationships. An asexual person may still have romantic relationships. Asexuality exists on a spectrum that can include identities like demisexual and gray-asexual.
Assigned at birth:
Assigned at birth refers to the way in which your sex is recorded on your birth certificate. When a baby is born, they are assigned a sex based on the physical appearance of their genitalia. Typically, babies are either assigned female at birth (AFAB), or assigned male at birth (AMAB).
Cisgender (Cis):
Cisgender refers to people who are not trans; someone who had the correct gender assigned to them at birth. For example, if someone was assigned male at birth (AMAB) and they identify as a man, then they are a cisgender man, or cis man, also referred to as a “man”. If someone was assigned female at birth (AFAB) and they identify as a woman, then they are a cisgender woman, or a cis woman, also referred to as a “woman”. Quick tip: These labels are not a judgement of a person’s value, they are just ways to describe people. Being cis is not bad, being trans is not bad, they are judgement free labels.
This the term we use to refer to people who are cisgender (see above) and heterosexual, i.e. not part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Coming Out:
This is the process of revealing your sexual orientation and/or gender identity to individuals in your life; often incorrectly thought to be a one-time event, this is a lifelong and sometimes daily process.
Discrimination: Discrimination means making a distinction in favour of, or against, a person based on the group, class, or category to which a person belongs.
Gay:
Refers to a man sexually and/or romantically attracted to other men or a woman who is sexually and/ or romantically attracted to other women. People of other facets of the LGBTQIAP+ community may also use the word gay to refer to themselves in a similar way to which the word Queer is used.
Gender Identity:
An individual’s understanding of themselves as female, male, nonbinary, or another gender. This may or may not correspond to the sex they were assigned at birth.
Hijra:
A culture-specific identity used in South Asian cultures including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Hijras are usually people who were assigned male or intersex at birth but who take on a more feminine gender expression and are considered a third gender. Historically and culturally hijras are associated with Hinduism but many hijras are Muslim and a few are Christian. Some hijras may also follow the beliefs and practices of more than one religion.
Heteronormativity:
Refers to heterosexual identities being considered the norm, to the exclusion of any other sexual orientation or gender identity. One way that it is demonstrated is by the lack of representation of LGBTQIA+ people and relationships in the media.
Heterosexual/Straight:
Someone who is attracted to people of the opposite gender from themselves.
Homophobia/Transphobia:
Homophobia encompasses a range of negative attitudes and feelings toward homosexuality or people who are identified or perceived as being lesbian or gay. Transphobia relates to prejudice directed specifically at those who don’t adhere to gender norms and people who are trans. FUN FACT ———
Judaism has recognised genders outside of male and female for centuries. The Talmud (the primary source of Jewish religious law and theology), for example, references four genders outside of Zachar (male) and Nekevah (female). These are Androgynos, Tumtum, Ay’lonit and Saris.
Intersex:
Refers to individuals who are born with sex characteristics (such as chromosomes, genitals, and/or hormonal structure) that do not belong strictly to male or female categories as designated in medical circles, or that belong to both at the same time. Being intersex is as common around the world as having red hair. A person with an intersex variation may have elements of what is considered both “male” and “female” anatomy, have different internal organs than external organs, or have anatomy that is inconsistent with chromosomal sex. These variations can be identified at birth (where observed in the person’s genitalia), at puberty (when the person either does not develop certain expected secondary sex characteristics, or develops characteristics that were not expected), later in adulthood (for example when fertility difficulties present) or an autopsy.
Lesbian:
Typically refers to a woman who is primarily sexually and/or romantically attracted to other women. This term is inclusive of trans women and non-binary, gender-fluid, or genderqueer people who may feel the term best matches their identity.
Non-Binary:
Non-binary refers to those who identify outside the male/female binary. It can come under the trans umbrella. People who are nonbinary may use they/them pronouns e.g. “They are really nice, they live in Dublin, they are going to the shop.”
Outing:
When someone reveals another person’s sexual orientation or gender identity to an individual or group, often without the person’s consent or approval.
Pansexual:
Refers to someone who is attracted to all genders, or is attracted to people regardless of gender.
Prejudice:
Prejudice is defined as a preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience.
Pride:
Pride is an annual celebration of LGBTQIA+ communities held around the world. In Ireland most of the large cities and towns have their own Pride Festival or else they have floats in the Dublin Pride Festival.
Queer:
Queer was initially used as an insult, but it has been reclaimed by the LGBTQIA+ community. It is now used as an umbrella term to describe the community or things associated with it. Such as Queer Studies, Queer Film or Queer Literature. Sometimes people of any LGBTQIA+ identity may describe themselves as Queer.
Rainbow:
The rainbow has represented LGBTQIA+ people since 1978. The colours reflect diversity within the LGBTQIA+ community.
Sexual Orientation:
Who you are attracted to.
Transgender: Transgender (or trans) people, like cisgender people, are assigned a sex at birth. However, trans people do not identify with this assignment or its traditional expectations. Trans people have a gender identity which is different from the sex which was assigned to them at birth. For example, someone assigned male at birth, who later identifies as female, is transgender.
Transition:
The period of time in which a trans or non-binary person begins to live in their true gender identity, rather than the one they were assigned at birth. A person can transition personally (acknowledging to themselves that they are trans), socially (changing name/pronouns and adjusting their gender expression), legally (accessing legal gender recognition and documents in their true gender and name), and medically, but everyone has a different journey, and no trans person is obliged to take any of these steps.
In Classical Arabic and Islamic literature, the plural term mukhannathun was used to describe different gender-diverse peopleintersex people, trans women, feminine men or anyone assigned male at birth who fulfilled social roles usually carried out by women. Mukhannathun were strongly associated with music and entertainment.
SUPPORT
We Are Church Ireland
A movement within the Roman Catholic Church that seeks to be an open and inclusive church to all.
Amach le Dia
A space where LGBTQI+ Christians can come together to express their faith and celebrate their identity.
Changing Attitude Ireland
A network of people, both LGBTQI+ and allies working for the full affirmation of LGBTQI+ people within the Churches in Ireland.
Queer Asian Pride Ireland
A dedicated support group for LGBTQI+ people of Asian heritage living in Ireland and their allies, working to create an empowering and non-judgmental platform for them.
These resources are all available free of charge online. You can find them through a search engine.
Navigating my gender identity and religion (SpunOut)
Hunter shares their journey of discovering their gender fluid identity and finding acceptance within their Catholic family.
Faith and Religion (Proud Trust UK)
A space for LGBTQI+ youth about faith and religion includes sections on navigating the scripture and exploring your LGBTQI+ identity alongside your faith.
Beloved Arise
A movement dedicated to LGBTQI+ youth of faith, includes resources for multiple religions (including Christianity, Judaism, Islam & Buddhism).
Twilight People: Stories of Faith & Gender Beyond the Binary
A project that shares and celebrates the hidden history of transgender and gender-variant people of faith in the UK past and present.
Further Reading/ Resources
Navigating LGBTQIA+ Identities and Religion (Trevor Project, USA)
FAQs and Advice about being a part/supporting the LGBTQI+ community from a religious perspective.
Can You Be Religious and Queer? (them.)
Short video about LGBTQI+ believers talking about their relationship with faith.
LGBTQIA+ Stories (Inclusive Faith, NI)
Personal stories of both inclusion and exclusion of religious LGBTQI+ people in Northern Ireland.
Queer Grace
A curated encyclopaedia of information and ideas around the life of LGBTQIA+ people and Christian faith.
The Queer Muslim Project Instagram account sharing stories of queer Muslims.
Queer and Muslim
A series of short TikToks curated by Them.Us showcasing queer muslims in their own words.
Further Reading/ Resources
The Hijras taught me that being Trans and Indian is enduring (QueerAF)
Article from a trans and Asian Londoner about how Hijras helped them discover their trans identity.
19 LGBTQI+ Hindu Gods (Advocate)
Figures from Hindu literature and mythology who defied the gender binary.
Trans Rabbi Elliot Kukla Wants a Better World for Queer Jewish Youth (Kveller)
Article from Rabbi Elliot Kukla (first trans Rabbi to be ordained by a major movement) about coming out and Jewish faith.
TransTorah.org
Helps people of all genders to fully access and transform Jewish tradition, and helps Jewish communities to be welcoming sanctuaries for people of all genders.
I Try To Be Straight (Spotify)
A podcast about Susie and Nate, two LGBTQI+ people who grew up in the church and came out. Hear their stories and the stories of many other about faith and idenitity.
LGBTQI+ Resources (National) ShoutOut
We are the island of Ireland’s largest provider of LGBTQIA+ workshops to schools, which we have been offering since 2012. Our volunteers travel around the island to tell stories, share information, and provide the space for young people to ask questions concerning LGBTQIA+ issues. Throughout workshops, we address issues of bullying and LGBTQIA+ discrimination in schools and other youth settings. www.shoutout.ie
BelongTo
BelongTo runs a range of services for both LGBTQIA+ young people and their parents. Get in touch, they will be happy to help! On their website you’ll find links to support groups in locations across the country.
www.belongto.org
Queer Asian Pride Ireland (QAPI) is a dedicated support group for LGBTQI+ people of Asian heritage living in Ireland and their allies, with the primary goal of creating an empowering and non-judgmental platform for them.
www.qapi.ie
TENI has been working in Ireland for the equality of transgender people for many years. They offer support for trans people and their families. www.teni.ie
LGBT Ireland is a national support service for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender people and their families and friends. They operate a range of phone lines, resources, and support groups. www.lgbt.ie
The Switchboard offers support to the LGBTQI+ community across Ireland, by phone and online, 365 days a year! www.theswitchboard.ie
The Small Trans Library is a small lending library of trans-authored books for trans people, with branches in Dublin and Glasgow. www.smalltranslibrary.org/
Greenbow is an organisation run for the benefit of all Deaf LGBTQIA+ adults all over Ireland. www.facebook.com/ GBWDeafLGBT/
LGBTQI+ Resources (Northern Ireland)
Belfast Trans Resource Centre
The Belfast Trans Resource Centre is a community hub for trans, nonbinary and questioning people and their families and friends in the Belfast area. www.belfasttrans.org.uk/
Cara-Friend
Cara-Friend operates in Northern Ireland and runs a number of regional youth groups for young people age 12–25 who identify as LGBTQI+ and those who are questioning their sexual orientation and/or gender identity, as well as one-to-one support. www.cara-friend.org.uk
The Rainbow Project
The Rainbow Project is a health organisation that works to improve the physical, mental & emotional health and well-being of LGBTQIA+ people and their families in Northern Ireland. www.rainbow-project.org
LGBTQI+ Resources (Dublin, the East & Midlands) Outhouse
Outhouse is a LGBTQI+ community resource centre for LGBTQI+ people, their families, and friends. www.outhouse.ie
Outcomers is a social and befriending support group for gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender people, based in Dundalk, Co. Louth. www.outcomers.org
LGBTQI+ Resources (Cork, Kerry, & the South)
LINC aims to improve the quality of life, health and well-being of all women who identify as lesbian or bisexual in Ireland. www.linc.ie/
The Gay Project
The Gay Project is an Irish NGO that supports gay, bi+, trans and queer men, celebrates sexuality and gender diversity, and advocates for LGBTQI+ human rights and policy protections. www.gayproject.ie/
GOSHH
GOSHH (Gender, Orientation, Sexual Health, and HIV) is a charity based in Limerick City, focused on the promotion of equality and wellbeing of all with a positive and respectful approach to sexual orientation and gender diversity. www.goshh.ie/
OutWest is a voluntary social and support group for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in the West of Ireland. www.outwest.ie
Have you heard of Saint Eugenia? She lived part of her life as a male monk by the name of Eugenius, was harassed (or pursued) by a fellow woman called Melania, who was attracted to Saint Eugenia.
SpunOut is Ireland’s youth information website created by young people, for young people. www.spunout.ie
50808 is a free, anonymous, 24/7 messaging service providing everything from a calming chat to immediate support. You’ll message back and forth, only sharing what you feel comfortable with. By asking questions, listening to you and responding with support, they will help you sort through your feelings until you both feel you are now in a calm, safe place. www.text50808.ie
AsIAm Is Ireland’s National Autism Charity. They are working to create a society in which every autistic person is empowered to reach their own personal potential and fully participate in society. www.asiam.ie
Jigsaw has a wide range of information and resources in the area of youth mental health. www.jigsaw.ie
Other Resources
TooIntoYou
TooIntoYou is a Women’s Aid Campaign and resource aimed at raising awareness of intimate relationship abuse. www.toointoyou.ie
Samaritans
Samaritans is a confidential listening service for anyone who needs someone to talk to. www.samaritans.org/ 116 123
Pieta House
Pieta provides a free, therapeutic approach to people who are in suicidal distress and those who engage in self-harm. www.pieta.ie
Dublin Rape Crisis Centre provides a national 24 hour helpline, support, and counselling for anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted, harassed or abused. They can also signpost to local rape crisis centres. www.drcc.ie
Foróige
Foróige is a youth development organisation offering clubs, projects, and education programmes to young people across the country. www.foroige.ie
Other Resources
Youth Work Ireland
Youth Work Ireland brings together youth services across the country, including LGBTQI+ specific youth groups. See their website for details of your nearest youth group. www.youthworkireland.ie
Childline
Childline is a counselling and advice service for young people, offering advice on mental health, relationships, bullying, online safety, and more.
www.childline.ie
Focus Ireland
Focus Ireland is a homelessness charity offering support and advice, including a mediation service for young people whose relationships with their carers are in danger of breaking down. www.focusireland.ie
Bodywhys
Bodywhys is the national voluntary organisation supporting people affected by eating disorders. www.bodywhys.ie
