Ohio churches that actually welcome in LGBTQ+ visitors

Like so many holidays, Easter is often a difficult and complex time for LGBTQ+ people.

Sure, Easter heralds the return of brunches, bottomless mimosas and time outdoors with friends and chosen family. But Easter also brings the trauma of rejection from the churches and other places of worship that were supposed to care for us. Each time we were dismissed as “abominations,” convinced that we needed to “have more faith” or “pray harder,” or reminded our friends and families should “hate the sin and love the sinner (us),” we were pushed further away from these faith communities.

Seeing so many of his fellow LGBTQ+ Ohioans wander between churches trying to find one that would affirm their sexual orientations and gender identities and fulfill their spiritual and faith needs, Columbus resident Eric Peters wanted to help. He began gathering the names and contact information of churches in Central Ohio that not only were willing to welcome LGBTQ+ people, but actually and actively wanted to invite Queer people into their communities during the two most important holidays of the Christian calendar: Christmas and Easter. Peters, a nonbinary and gay activist and US Army veteran, has assembled between 15 and 30 congregations almost every Christmas and Easter to intentionally welcome LGBTQ+ Ohioans to their services since before 2020.

Owing to LOVEboldly’s mission to create spaces where LGBTQ+ people can flourish in Christianity and with its focus on Ohio, Peters approached LOVEboldly with a proposal to bring this project into LOVEboldly’s portfolio of programs. LOVEboldly already maintains a list of congregations across Ohio who are affirming of LGBTQ+ people and so the partnership was a perfect fit. “Because of the work and effectiveness of LOVEboldly, this current project has great potential to succeed,” said Peters.

“I pray my LGBTQIA+ siblings, particularly my Transgender siblings find inspiration for hope and perseverance,” Peters prayed, “in churches preaching the gospel of love and inclusivity this Easter and beyond.”

Have you thought about going to church on Easter? Is something stirring within you and pulling you to a spiritual community; once which will embrace you for the beautiful Queer person God created you to be? Take a look at the list of affirming congregations inviting you to Easter celebrations.

Happy Easter! 🔥