June marks the LGBTQIA+ pride month and multiple cities across the U.S. organize events to empower the LGBTQIA+ community to pave the path of inclusivity in society. Beloved Arise, the leading national organization dedicated to celebrating and empowering LGBTQIA+ youth of faith, will also host their fifth annual Queer Youth of Faith Day celebration on June 30. Leading up to this significant day, the organization has launched “The Power of And,” a powerful campaign highlighting the personal journeys of queer youth from a variety of religious and spiritual backgrounds.
Jun Love Young, founder of Beloved Arise, highlights that “Queer youth in religious spaces are often pressured to choose between their faith or their queer identities.” He further adds, “This rigid dichotomy is harmful to one’s identity and mental health — and it’s completely unnecessary. We refuse to accept the tyranny of ‘or’ and instead celebrate the power of ‘And.’”
Throughout Pride Month this June, Beloved Arise is spotlighting the stories of LGBTQIA+ youth who embrace both their faith AND queer identities on its social media channels. This inclusive message shines through its three youth ambassadors: Sid High (he/him), Christian and Trans; Sabrina Hodak (she/her), Jewish and Bisexual; and Mia Miller (they/them), Muslim and Queer. These youth ambassadors are at the forefront of these conversations and embody the nonprofit’s dream for all queer youth navigating their spiritual journeys.
The celebration of Queer Youth of Faith Day promises to be both inspiring and meaningful, led by the youth themselves. Sid, Sabrina, and Mia will host an Instagram live session, where they will make friendship bracelets while engaging in conversations about the power of AND. This unique event not only showcases the creativity and resilience of queer youth but also emphasizes the importance of community and shared experiences.
Beloved Arise’s efforts to celebrate and empower queer youth of faith are not confined to this one day. Earlier this year, the nonprofit hosted a national essay contest for high school seniors. The annual event, which awards $10,000 in academic scholarships, has become a powerful platform for queer youth to share their stories of faith, resilience, and hope.
“The profound impact of my faith shaped who I am, influencing my lifestyle, and shaping my worldview. I have learned that the intricate integration of my faith and spirituality with my queer identity reveals a harmonious coexistence that enriches my sense of self,” says Laila, an essay contest participant who is Taoist and Bisexual.
In addition to these initiatives, Beloved Arise has recently launched the first national mentorship program for queer youth of faith. During the pilot phase of the program, queer youth of Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Hindu faiths were paired with queer mentors of the same faith. Youth ambassador Mia Miller shares, “It has been amazing to be mentored by someone who I can connect with on a spiritual level.”
Beloved Arise has become a symbol of empowerment for LGBTQIA+ youth of faith. It is a movement that fights for the lives of these young people, particularly those who exist on the margins of their faith communities. By creating a multi-faith community that celebrates and embraces queer youth and young adults from all faith traditions, Beloved Arise uplifts and empowers LGBTQIA+ young people in all spiritual beliefs, identities, expressions, and aspirations.
As “The Power of And” campaign continues to unfold, Beloved Arise remains dedicated to its mission, ensuring that no young person has to choose between their faith and their identity. This Queer Youth of Faith Day, the world is invited to witness the beauty and strength that lies in the integration of faith and queerness, truly celebrating the power of AND.
Published by: Martin De Juan
