On Sunday, The Open Table discussed the ways we can deepen our welcome of LGBTQIA folks, even as an open and affirming community. We had a really beautiful discussion with Rev. Donna Simon from St. Mark Hope & Peace Lutheran* on Troost. Her wife Colleen and the baby who lives with them came with her. Our discussion covered pronouns, denominational politics around sexuality, healthcare, church, and relationships. Several who attended asked questions about gender pronouns, Bible interpretations, and how to help loved ones.  In case you weren’t able to attend, you can listen to our discussion here. Additionally, below are helpful resources for further learning and support.

*St. Mark Hope and Peace Lutheran Church is proud to be a Reconciling in Christ Congregation (RIC).  Persons of all gender identities, races, sexual orientations, ethnicities, and economic backgrounds are encouraged to participate fully in every aspect of this community’s life.

LGBTQ RESOURCES

LOCAL

Kansas City Anti-Violence Project
Kansas City Center for Inclusion
PROMO
PFLAG Kansas City
KC Coalition for Welcoming Ministries
Human Rights Commission
Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network of Greater KC
Healthcare options: LGBTQIA Healthcare Guild of Kansas City, Saint Luke’s
ACLU of Missouri
Q-Space for LGBTQIA and allied youth ages 12-20
Making History: Kansas City and the Rise of Gay Rights exhibit at UMKC Miller Nichols Library (through Sept. 30)
Out Here Now KC LGBT Film Festival (June 22-29)

OTHER

Where the Edge Gathers: Building a Community of Radical Inclusion by Yvette A. Flunder (Cleveland: Pilgrim Press, 2005)
2015 U.S. Transgender Survey
“She? Ze? They? What’s In a Gender Pronoun” by Jessica Bennett, 1/30/16, New York Times
National Children’s Medical Center
Gender Spectrum
Trans Youth Family Allies