Religion is Not a Monolith: Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Support

It is in my opinion that few areas on higher education campuses have caused more harm to GLBT persons than that of religious groups. So often these groups have become seen as the place the GLBT persons need to escape from, as the destructive rhetoric of many have caused tremendous trauma amongst the communities of people simply trying to live out their lives. Yet, religious groups on campus and even religious professionals can be a tremendous source of support for these students, especially if higher education professionals know the right questions to ask and the right people to approach.

The reality is that although there are pockets of religion which have “struggled” with the inclusion of GLBT persons, a growing number of professionals and traditions are quickly becoming inclusive and welcoming of all persons in ways that need to be understood and considered. In the Christian tradition, the majority of mainline traditions now have changed Church policy and are including these persons. In other traditions, which are still struggling with this topic, large pockets of more “progressive” voices have come out in opposition to church rules and standards. These voices on campus, alongside those of other religious traditions, have much to offer the campus.

When GLBT offices open discussions with religious professionals, one of the first way to start these conversations is by asking the right questions to students. In my experience, a common question is, who in the religious community have you seen that is vocally supportive of GLBT identities? From this experience, higher education professionals can approach those persons with precedent for supporting these students and can consider the options available for programs, discussions, and support groups. 

Perhaps most important though is asking the right questions, both of professionals and of the students themselves. GLBT students who are struggling with their religious identity can give tremendous insight as to their needs, which may be different than what people expect. In an environment that is often anti-religious, progressive voices of the religious community may be exactly what certain GLBT persons are looking for. The opportunity to experience a community that includes GLBT persons is a rare and important find for certain students and can help to change the dialogue on college campuses between religious professionals and students..

Overall, students that identity as GLBT should hesitate before dismissing religious professionals on campus as a source for support. Despite the dominant narrative which has engulfed some campuses, there remain religious professionals who are educating themselves to be able to support GLBT students with an inclusive and welcoming community as well as the dedicated professional support students may need.    

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this piece are my own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or landscape of higher education in regards to supporting GLBT persons and the work of religious professionals. These reflections are my own and seek only to broaden the conversation reflective of the topic.