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Statement on Queer Youth of Faith Day
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Today we celebrate Queer Youth of Faith—young people whose identities and beliefs are both vital parts of who they are. We honour their courage, resilience, and the unique wisdom they bring to our communities. Faith and queerness are not mutually exclusive; together they enrich our spiritual life, deepen our compassion, and call us to justice. 1 in 5 LGBTQ youth say their faith is important to them. Too many youth in churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples are told they must choose their faith or their queer identities. On Queer Youth of Faith Day, we celebrate LGBTQ+ youth who proudly embrace all of who they are!
We stand with queer youth of all backgrounds and denominations. We commit to listening, protecting, and uplifting them—ensuring safe spaces for worship, dialogue, and leadership. We reject shame, exclusion, and harm in the name of religion, and instead affirm the dignity, worth, and full participation of every young person.
In 1 Timothy 4:12 - “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
Queer Youth of Faith Day is a national celebration that honors and uplifts LGBTQ+ youth who hold faith as a meaningful part of their identity. It’s a day to affirm their courage, amplify their voices, and remind them they are beloved.
70% of our youth are being bullied at school for their sexuality, 67% report hearing families making negative comments about LGBTQ people, 31% have not disclosed their sexuality to their parents, 44% of transgender youth have not disclosed this to their parents (Human Rights Campaign LGBTTQ+ Youth Report 2023)
Statement from Eric Larriéux of MCC Detroit in MI, USA:
"This World Queer Youth Day, we celebrate the courage, resilience, and unique contributions of LGBTQ+ youth. Every young person deserves to feel safe, valued, supported, and loved exactly as they are.
We at MCC Detroit recognize the challenges many LGBTQ+ youth face and stand committed to creating communities where they can thrive, grow, and pursue their dreams without fear of discrimination or exclusion.
To LGBTQ+ youth: your identity is something to be honored, not hidden. Your voice matters, your dreams matter, and your future matters. You belong in your families, schools, communities, and places of worship without fear of rejection or discrimination. You belong, you are worthy, and you are never alone.
World Queer Youth Day is more than a celebration, it is a reminder that visibility, acceptance, and equality are commitments we must uphold every day. We stand with LGBTQ+ youth and affirm their right to live authentically, pursue their goals, and thrive in environments that celebrate their full humanity.
Today and every day, We celebrate the diversity that strengthens our communities and commit ourselves to creating a world where every LGBTQ+ young person can flourish with dignity and pride. Happy World Queer Youth Day!"
Statement from Sarrah, from Texas, USA:
“I choose to be Muslim. I choose the culture that I love, and I am both queer and Muslim. No matter how hard anyone tries, that will not change. I am all of the above…”
Prayer:
Loving Spirit, Source of all and wisdom for all. We hold our queer youth in your tender light. Surround them with safety when the world feels cold, give them courage when they face fear and hatred, and rest when they are weary.
Guide their hearts to know they are worthy, that their identities are sacred, and that they are to be included and loved by all. Give them friends, family and mentors who will listen, protect, and celebrate them, communities where faith and truth can flourish together.
Comfort those who feel alone; heal wounds of rejection and shame. Give wisdom to families, leaders, and congregations to love without condition. May they be included in their many faiths and religions and be fully seen. Bless their journeys with strength, peace, and the promise of belonging.
Amen.
May this day renew our promise to build communities where queer youth of faith can flourish—be seen, celebrated, and be fully loved.
In Peace, the MCC Council of Elders:
Elder Hattie Alexander-Key
Rev. Elder Mark Byrd
Rev. Elder Nokuthula Dhladhla
Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston
Elder Velma Garcia
Rev. Elder Rich Hendricks
Rev. Elder Aaron Miller
Rev. Elder Elaine Saralegui Caraballo
Rev. Elder Stuart Sutherland
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