LGBT
The 10 most read ‘Faitheist’ stories of 2014
By Chris Stedman — January 1, 2015
As we begin 2015, here's a look back at the most read 'Faitheist' posts from last year—from whether or not atheists can be fundamentalists to why atheists shouldn't call religion a mental illness.
“I hasten to assure you, sweetheart that I affirm you,” a letter from a Christian father to his lesbian daughter
By Eliel Cruz — December 12, 2014
This letter is exactly how Christian parents should respond to their LGBT child.
Is there a right way to respond to extreme homophobia? (ANALYSIS)
By Jay Michaelson — December 11, 2014
(RNS) The best reason to ignore Anderson isn’t to deny him press coverage, or to acknowledge that gay rights won and he lost, but to recognize that there are more important social justice issues the LGBT equality movement should focus on.
Retreats aim to help LGBT youth recapture some of their broken spirituality
By Caleb K. Bell — December 8, 2014
NEW YORK (RNS) Each year, Reciprocity retreats allow "students" to practice yoga and meditation, which aim to help restore an element of spirituality that is often broken or damaged.
Why transgender issues are Humanist issues
By Chris Stedman — November 28, 2014
Two of the core principles of Humanism are the value of the individual and rational, evidenced-based thinking. Our culture is failing miserably at both when it comes to the transgender community—which is why Humanist voices are greatly needed.
Were some Catholic saints transgender? Berkeley show raises eyebrows
By Kimberly Winston — November 6, 2014
(RNS) An exhibit in Berkeley, Calif., questions the gender of popular female Catholic saints, affording artist Alma Lopez a chance to ask viewers what is feminine, what is masculine, and is there something holy in the mashup.
Atheist author Peter Boghossian suggests gays shouldn’t be proud. Is he proud to be an atheist?
By Chris Stedman — November 4, 2014
In a time when more and more atheists are encouraging their fellow nonbelievers to be "openly secular," I wonder if Boghossian sees any parallels between the celebratory spirit of LGBTQ pride and the joy many atheists find in being honest about what they believe.
Southern Baptists, LGBT activists happily coexist, but for how long?
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — October 31, 2014
(RNS) For both sides, alleged friendships could pose a risk, as relationships could be perceived as acceptance.
Southern Baptist leaders cut ties with California LGBT-affirming church
By Adelle M. Banks — September 24, 2014
(RNS) “We believe that ... New Heart Community Church has walked away from the Southern Baptist Convention’s core biblical values,” said Roger Oldham, a spokesman for the denomination's executive committee.
Mormons embrace social media to push back against official church teachings
By Kimberly Winston — September 15, 2014
BERKELEY, Calif. (RNS) “We are starting to see a significant disconnect between what the church is telling people to believe about same-sex marriage and homosexuality and what people actually believe and accept,” said LGBT activist John Gustav-Wrathall. “I think the Internet has a lot to do with that."
Gay and nonreligious in a Republican state, Rep. Brian Sims puts his faith in humanity
By Chris Stedman — September 10, 2014
"I'm the only elected official in Pennsylvania that didn't have to set foot in a house of worship to get elected." Pennsylvania Rep. Brian Sims tells RNS about his his faith in humanity and being a nonreligious gay Democrat in a Republican state.
LGBTQs are leaving religion, but atheists shouldn’t celebrate
By Chris Stedman — August 13, 2014
As an atheist and a queer person, I'm not surprised by Gallup’s finding that fewer LGBTQ people are religious. But I want to caution all people—atheists included—against celebrating this.
Gay, Christian and … celibate: The changing face of the homosexuality debate
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — August 4, 2014
(RNS) With "ex-gay" ministries falling out of favor -- even by their biggest proponents -- many Christians are encouraging gays and lesbians to adopt a life of celibacy instead, without ever trying to change their sexual orientation.
Gay groups pull support for anti-discrimination bill over religious exemption
By Heather Adams — July 9, 2014
WASHINGTON (RNS) The American Civil Liberties Union and four gay rights groups said they can no longer support the Employment Non-Discrimination Act in the wake of the Supreme Court's decision in the Hobby Lobby case over contraception coverage, which allowed some businesses to claim a religious exemption in following federal law.
Obama’s faith-based advisers divided over religious exemption for anti-gay discrimination
By Adelle M. Banks — July 8, 2014
WASHINGTON (RNS) “An exception would set a terrible precedent by denying true equality for LGBT people, while simultaneously opening a Pandora’s Box inviting other forms of discrimination,” more than 100 signatories wrote Tuesday in a letter to President Obama.
