Faith-based organizations are pushing back against the increasing mistreatment of LGBTQ people by calling for renewed support for Pride Month celebrations.
“The majority of religious people in America support full LGBTQ equality,” close to 20 groups say in a petition promoting the “Recommit to Pride” campaign. The participants from different faith traditions say they are “showing up and refusing to back down.”
The pressure on LGBTQ people is definitely rising, campaign organizers note in the pledge. The Trump administration’s war on diversity, equity and inclusion has threatened workplace protections and caused numerous corporations to withdraw sponsorships from Pride causes and events. State and federal policies targeting transgender and HIV/AIDS health are on the rise, as are instances of hate speech, physical violence and threats to marriage equality.
“And polls show that all these attacks are working. For the first time in years, public support for LGBTQ equality is declining,” the groups said in reference to a Public Religion Research Institute finding that public support for LGBTQ protections dropped to 75% in 2024 — down from a peak of 80% two years before.
“We lament every form of backsliding on public support for the full dignity and equality of LGTBQ people,” the faith groups add. “We support the LGBTQ community, and we Recommit to Pride.”
Don Abrams
That support is sorely needed, said Don Abrams, CEO of Pride in the Pews, a nonprofit advocacy and educational organization that works for Black LGBTQ communities.
The group joined the “Recommit to Pride” effort because policy, rhetoric and violence are being used to dehumanize and vilify Black and other LGBTQ people, he added.
“We are experiencing an unprecedent level of attacks against the hard-fought wins of LGBTQ rights, and we are experiencing this onslaught of political and social attacks against our rights to exist. So, we want folks to know we are on the front lines acknowledging our humanity, demanding access to the same rights as everyone else,” Abrams said.
Brian Henderson
The Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists signed on to the campaign because of the number and seriousness of the threats arrayed against LGBTQ people, said Brian Henderson, executive director and an ordained American Baptist minister.
“Our trans and nonbinary siblings especially are experiencing hate and discrimination in significant ways, including state and federal legislative efforts to erase people from existence,” he noted.
AWAB urges welcoming and affirming Baptist congregations to speak up and participate in the ministry of inclusion for this oppressed population, he added. “Pride Month is an opportunity to more than fly the rainbow flag — which is important to do — but to stand together as allies with LGBTQ individuals so that no one is alone.”
Jeanne’ Lewis
The campaign also is a way to communicate clearly to the public that hating LGBTQ people is counter to the values of multiple faith traditions, said Jeanné Lewis, CEO of Faith in Public Life.
“We don’t want people using religion to justify harm against the LGBTQ community or any community. Our traditions value love, compassion and inclusion, and we stand against any effort to attack any group for political gain.”
Pride Month represents both a celebration and remembrance of those who have advocated for LGBTQ rights in the U.S., Lewis added. “And for those who may not care about this issue, it’s important to understand when language and laws are used to target anyone, we are all in danger. We need to speak out for one another and share our values and not allow anyone to be targeted.”
The recommitment pledge presses participants to offer “public prayers, bold statements and visible acts of support” for LGBTQ people.
Other groups participating in the effort include Hindus for Human Rights, Interfaith Alliance, Muslims for Progressive Values, Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism, Sojourners, the United Church of Christ and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.