Birmingham LGBT working with West Midlands Faiths Forum and Reverend Chris Dowd of Journey MCC recently hosted an innovative event looking at the issues affecting LGBT people of faith. 

The event, funded by the National Equality Partnership, was the first of its kind to be held in the UK and presented the real life stories of LGBT people of faith to an audience of faith leaders and representatives from across the midlands.

David Viney, Birmingham LGBT comments “The day was an innovative way of approaching this sensitive subject, and we hope this is a significant development in the process of mutual understanding and respect between Faith and LGBT communities.”

Actors were used to tell the stories of LGBT Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus and Sikhs, and looked at issues affecting the lives of LGBT people of faith in each religion. The event avoided theological debate about homosexuality and instead looked at the issues through a pastoral care perspective. The moving and sometimes disturbing stories provoked lively discussion and left many people questioning their preconceptions about LGBT people.

The event and its format will be used as a case study by the National Equality Partnership.

Religion