“Quakerism is a big part of my queer story.”
Some LGBTQIA+ Quakers grew up in the Religious Society of Friends; others came to meetings in search of a more inclusive community. In many cases, they’ve proud to celebrate the spiritual home they’ve found, full of “so many people who are willing to see the world in beautiful, expansive ways.” But that doesn’t prevent them from speaking frankly about the prejudices individual Quakers and our meetings have yet to overcome.
“That rainbow sign outside your meetinghouse is meaningless if you don’t live it,” as one Friend reminds us. “We cannot sit on the laurels of our testimonies. We cannot sit on our reputation. We have to live it.”
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Discussion Question:
- What have you experienced being Queer in Quaker Community? How can meetings better support LGBTQ+ Friends?
The views expressed in this video are of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Friends Journal or its collaborators.
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