In partnership with Episcopal churches and other affirming faith communities, The Lighthouse provides safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ youth and their parents to find friendship and share supportive resources.

What is the Lighthouse?

The Lighthouse is a ministry of unconditional welcome and friendship for LGBTQIA+ teens and their families. Chapters are hosted by churches committed to the foundational principle that LGBTQIA+ people are part of God’s good, beloved, and diverse creation, wholly worthy of full access to everything that the church has to offer.

Lighthouse gatherings for parents and guardians provide an important opportunity to connect with others who share similar experiences, learn from community leaders, and share supportive resources.

Because every young person deserves a safe space where they are respected and loved as they are, these gatherings are nonreligious. People of all faiths and no faith are welcome, and leaders do not proselytize.

Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being? I will, with God's help.

from The Baptismal Covenant of The Episcopal Church

Available Resources

Resources

Covenant for Lighthouse Youth and Family Communities

Jasmyn
JASMYN supports the empowerment of LGBTQIA+ teens and young adults through leadership, advocacy, resources, and a safe and affirming community.

Beloved Arise
This resource celebrates the life, creativity and gifts of LGBTQ+ teens of faith. The site includes a library of resources for developing an affirming theology that may be especially helpful. Beloved Arise also hosts an online youth group which is open to youth all over the world.

Q Christian Fellowship
Q Christian Fellowship is cultivating radical belonging for LGBTQ+ Christians and allies. Q Christian’s resource page is especially robust, with extensive offerings for individuals, families, and all who desire to explore affirming theology. The annual conference gathers hundreds of LGBTQ+ Christians and allies for worship, fellowship, workshops, and keynote speakers.

Gender Spectrum
Gender Spectrum works to create gender sensitive and inclusive environments for all children and teens, providing a wealth of online programs, resources and information for young people, parents, and professionals who need support in navigating rapidly changing gender understandings.

LGBTQ in The Episcopal Church
The Episcopal Church has a legacy of inclusion, aspiring to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being. Learn more at the link.

2022 Resolution by The Episcopal Church’s House of Bishops, urging churches to create safe spaces.

LGBTQ+ College Student Guide
This resource from Intelligent offers insights and tips to help students and their families find LGBTQ friendly colleges, and covers things to consider in the application process, including federal regulations safeguarding LGBTQ students.

Reading Recommendations

Queerfully and Wonderfully Made: A Guide for LGBTQ+ Christian Teens by Leigh Finke
Unconditional: A Guide to Loving and Supporting Your LGBTQ Child (Book for Parents of a Gay or Transgender Child) by Telaina Eriksen
Walking the Bridgeless Canyon: Repairing the Breach between the Church and the LGBT community by Kathy Baldock
Beyond the Gender Binary by Alok Vaid-Menon

Mental Health Resources

Baptist Health Jacksonville 24-hour Crisis Line
Call 904-202-7900 or text LIFE to 741741.
If you or someone you love is in crisis, there’s help available. Support is available for adults, kids and teens, and offered at no charge. If there is an immediate safety concern, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25. The site includes results of a National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health and a Support Center where LGBTQ youth and their allies can find answers to frequently asked questions. The Trevor Project’s Help Line is available 24/7 by phone, text, or online chat (866-488-7386).

In the News

A beacon of hope shines for LGBTQ+ youth in Florida

The Lighthouse is a nonreligious, twice-monthly gathering for middle and high school LGBTQ students looking for friendship and connection. Over junk food, music and conversation, a community of radical welcome has grown — created, nurtured and sustained by the youth.