June is Pride Month in the U.S. To help Christian communities amplify and learn from the stories of people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and more gender expressions and sexual orientations (LGBTQIA+), we at Building Faith want to offer a collection of resources for June and throughout the year.
Below, you will find new and recent books and reading lists for all ages, documentary videos, virtual exhibits and events, digital resource centers, and LGBTQIA+ affirming worship and devotional resources. Our hope is that these materials will equip churches to lift up the contributions of LGBTQIA+ persons to American and church history and to promote safety, justice, and the flourishing of life among all people, especially those who identify as LGBTQIA+.
Books
- Before We Were Trans: A New History of Gender by Kit Heyam (New York: Seal, 2022)
- Called Out: 100 Devotions for LGBTQ Christians by E. Carrington Heath (Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2022)
- Christianity, LGBTQ Suicide, and the Souls of Queer Folk by Cody J. Sanders (Lanham: Lexington, 2020)
- Made, Known, Loved: Developing LGBTQ-Inclusive Youth Ministry by Ross Murray (Minneapolis: Fortress, 2021)
Reading Lists for All Ages
- “Kickstart Summer With These Young Adult LGBTQ Reads” by New York Public Library Staff (May 27, 2021) – a list of young adult books
- “New Books for Kids & Teens To Celebrate Pride Month” by New York Public Library Staff (May 22, 2023) – includes picture books, middle grade books, and books for teens
- “Pride Reading Recommendations for Young Children” by New York Public Library Staff (June 1, 2021) – a list of picture books for young children
- “Recent LGBTQ Reads From Both Familiar and Fresh Voices” by New York Public Library Staff (May 27, 2021) – a list of fiction and nonfiction books for adults
Documentary Videos
- “What to Watch: Celebrate LGBTQIA Pride Month” by Beatrice Alvarez (PBS, June 1, 2022) – an article with a number of PBS documentary videos featuring people who identify as LGBTQIA+ and their stories
Virtual Exhibits and Events
- Smithsonian American Art Museum’s “Pride Family Zone” – a page full of art, craft, and other activities for families with children to use to celebrate Pride Month
- Smithsonian Institute Pride Events and Resources – a compilation of virtual and onsite events, exhibits, and podcast episodes for Pride Month hosted by the Smithsonian
Resource Centers
- “Pride Month Resource Kit for Journalists” by GLAAD – a page with historical information and helpful tips for communications about Pride events; designed specifically for journalists but potentially beneficial and adaptable for communications beyond journalism
- The Trevor Project – a website with resources and counselors available to support LGBTQ youth
Prayer, Worship, and Other Church Resources
- Colors of Hope: A Devotional Journal from LGBTQ+ Christians, edited by Melissa Guthrie (Danvers: Chalice, 2022)
- “Open and Affirming Sunday” by the Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ (2021) – liturgies and prayers for open and LGBTQIA+ affirming worship
- “Pride 365” at Trinity Church Wall Street – a page with articles and videos that highlight LGBTQ+ advocates
- “Pride Month: Resources for Worship” by Katie Graber and Anneli Loepp Thiessen, Anabaptist Worship Network (May 31, 2022) – a list of songs and other resources from Voices Together that are especially fitting for worship in Pride Month
- The Rainbow Initiative by Episcopal Migration Ministries – a program to raise awareness about and to support LGBTQ+ refugees, particularly during Pride Month and World Refugee Day (which is June 20)
- “Resources for Celebrating Pride Month” at the Episcopal Partnership website (Episcopal Dioceses of Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania) (June 8, 2021) – prayers, blessings, liturgical resources, and more for Pride Month worship services
- “Resources for the LGBTQIA+ Community” by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America – articles, liturgical resources, and offerings from ReconcilingWorks that highlight LGBTQIA+ persons and ministries; see also “Pride 2023” at ReconcilingWorks for prayers and worship resources prepared for Pride Month 2023
- “Welcoming Worship + Pride” by Disciples LGBTQ+ Alliance – worship and prayer resources as well as a number of additional resources for church members and leaders
Featured image is by Chris Robert on Unsplash