Why Beloved Arise exists

Queer youth of faith are some of the most vulnerable members of the LGBTQ+ community. As society becomes more inclusive of sexual minorities, more young people than ever are identifying as LGBTQ+. But for those in faith communities, fully accepting one’s queer identity continues to be difficult, if not dangerous.

The Trevor Project estimates that 1.8 million queer youth in the U.S. seriously consider suicide each year. Sadly, much of this suffering and shame happens in context of religious communities where young people are taught that queerness is ungodly.

According to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, religiosity has been associated with significantly higher rates of suicide attempts among queer youth. A study on conversation therapy found that LGBTQ youth are twice as likely to attempt suicide when pressured to change by parents, and three times as likely when pressured by religious leaders.

In a world that tells them to change or hide in shame, we boldly say to queer youth: You are beautiful, beloved and worth celebrating!



Our mission

To celebrate and empower queer youth of faith.

Beloved Arise is the first national organization dedicated primarily to empowering youth to proudly embrace both their faith and queer identity.

multi-faith vision

Beloved Arise currently focuses on resources for teens across all Christian denominations. Our long-term vision is to partner with other faith-based organizations to extend our reach to queer youth from all faith traditions where LGBTQ+ inclusion falls short.

We have a dream…

someday, we will see a massive, vibrant community of LGBTQ+ youth… confident in faith, living fruitful, fiercely authentic lives, growing up in faith communities, schools and homes that celebrate queerness, and serving as leaders in their communities.

How we support LGBTQ+ youth

Youth Programs

We offer programs and services that directly help LGBTQ+ youth to gain self-confidence, find a community of peers, and joyfully embrace their faith and identity.

Weekly youth gathering

Social media engagement

Scholarship contests

Student leadership program

Mental wellness programs*



Content and Creative

We develop content that celebrate queer youth of faith, including creative projects designed to inspire youth and change the cultural narrative about queer faith.

Beloved Arise publications

Multi-faith resources

Resources for youth, parents and clergy

Art & music production*

Advocacy and Ally Engagement

We advocate for the safety and well-being of queer youth in faith communities, by raising awareness at a national level and by engaging allies to take action.

Queer Youth of Faith Day

Youth Pastors Network

Beloved Champions program

Our statement of faith

We are an organization of hope and faith, ecumenical in nature, grounded in the love and saving grace of Jesus Christ.

We recognize and celebrate the beautiful diversity of all of God’s creation.

We believe in the community of God revealed by a loving Parent, empathetic Son, and sustaining Holy Spirit.

We adhere to the authority of the Bible as the inspired and Holy scriptures from God: it is the story of God’s love for us. After all, we are God’s beloved.