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LGBTQ youth of faith pray, bond at Beloved Arise group
LUIS ANDRES HENAO, Associated Press
July 3, 2021
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1of5In this Wednesday, June 30, 2021, photo taken from video, Jason Hoelzel, religious literacy and media specialist of the DeeperDive Institute, top left, moderates a panel on youth advocacy and ministry, hosted by GLAAD and Beloved Arise, a Christian nonprofit dedicated to celebrating and empowering LGBTQ youth of faith, during the second annual virtual Queer Youth of Faith Day. The daylong online event included panels of LGBTQ teens across religious backgrounds, seminars on queer history and churches, podcasts and concerts. (Beloved Arise via AP)Beloved Arise/APShow MoreShow Less
Luis Andres Henao July 03, 2021 - 9:16 PM
Jessika Sessoms grew up in a conservative Black evangelical family, attended Christian schools and often heard that being gay was an abomination, until she understood that she was queer while studying to become a missionary.
The 23-year-old from Florida came out publicly last year and has found healing and a sense of community after joining Beloved Arise, a Christian nonprofit dedicated to celebrating and empowering LGBTQ youth of faith. Beloved Arise
Maria Magdalena Gschwind, 20, from Germany, credits the U.S.-based group for inspiring her to study Protestant theology in college at a time when she had doubts about whether her sexuality would conflict with her faith. Samuel Cavalheiro, 21, a Brazilian living in Mozambique, feels so connected to the groupâs members that he calls them his âchosen family.â