Building a network of support for the LGBTQ+ community in Upstate SC
These resources challenge us to become the liberated, liberating community of faith we know we can be.
Organizations/Hotlines
Pride Link - 864.305.3723
Uplift Outreach Center - 864.381.7234
SC Equality - 803.256.6500
Piedmont Care - 864.582.7773
National Suicide Prevention Hotline - 800.273.TALK (8255)
The Trevor Project - 866.488.7386
Books/Other Resources
This I Know: A Simple Biblical Defense for LGBTQ Christians - Jim Dant
Ministry Among God’s Queer Folks: LGBT Pastoral Care - David J. Kundtz, Bernard S. Schlager
Queer Lessons for Churches on the Straight and Narrow - Cody Sanders
A Brief Guide to Ministry with LGBTQIA Youth - Cody Sanders
Faith Communities and the Well-Being of LGBT Youth - Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry
Things to Say, Things Not to Say for Pastors and People of Faith
Do create safe space for LGBTQ fellowship and events.
Be prepared and have resources, especially ones by LGBTQ persons themselves.
Build trust, but realize this may take time, especially if the person has been hurt by the church/pastor.
Be relationship-focused.
Find the balance between normalizing and celebrating (a person may not want their sexual/gender identity to be their defining characteristics, but they also don’t want their presence to just be tolerated).
Think about language - words matter. Don’t put “husband” or “wife” on forms. Instead, use “spouse” or “partner.”
Don’t out anyone.
Don’t use canned ally phrases like “born this way” unless the LGBTQ person themselves use that way of thinking about their identity.
Don’t go halfway - commit to being welcoming AND affirming.
Don’t be condescending, even if your intentions are good.