You Are Loved: How Beloved Arise is Inspiring a New Vision of Faith for Queer Youth
Written by Malana VanTyler For many LGBTQ+ young people, faith remains a meaningful part of their lives—yet too often, it comes with pain. While one in five queer youth say their religion or spirituality is important to them, the majority still face exclusion, silence, or pressure to change within religious settings. The result? Deep emotional strain. Religious rejection has been directly linked to increased depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation in queer youth, particularly when it comes from faith leaders or family members.
But what if the message changed? What if, instead of shame, young people heard something healing in their churches, mosques, and temples—something as simple and powerful as ‘You are loved’?
That’s exactly what Beloved Arise is doing.
A Movement of Love Rooted in Faith
Beloved Arise is the first national organization dedicated to celebrating LGBTQIA+ youth of faith. This multi-faith community was born out of the urgent need for spiritual spaces where queer young people could feel seen, valued, and safe. And at its core is a message so often missing from the narrative: you don’t have to choose between your faith and your identity. You can belong to both.Through partnerships with affirming churches, synagogues, and other religious communities, Beloved Arise is nurturing spaces where spiritual rituals become acts of affirmation. Congregations across the country are reimagining what it means to truly welcome LGBTQ+ youth, not just with open doors, but with open hearts.
Affirmation as a Lifeline
Research underscores what Beloved Arise already knows: affirmation saves lives. According to The Trevor Project, queer youth are more likely to experience mental health struggles when faith communities reject them. On the other hand, acceptance—especially in spiritual spaces—can dramatically reduce the risk of self-harm and suicide.The organization’s annual essay contest brings these statistics into vivid focus. These first-person reflections showcase young people who have reclaimed their spiritual lives through affirming faith communities. From feeling unseen in their churches to finding joy in a community that celebrates them as a whole, these stories offer hope and direction.
A New Generation of Faith Leaders
At the heart of Beloved Arise is youth leadership. The organization empowers young people to lead Beloved Arise Campus Groups, organize projects through the Youth Alliance, and contribute to national events, such as Queer Youth of Faith Day, which takes place each June. These are not just support groups—they are dynamic gatherings where queer youth explore theology, spirituality, and purpose together.The organization also equips students and young adults with resources that foster faith and identity, helping them navigate conversations with family, faith leaders, and peers. Whether through workshops, local meet-ups, or online events, Beloved Arise is cultivating confident, spiritually grounded leaders.
Faith Communities Taking a Stand
A growing number of congregations are stepping into the call. Some, such as the United Church of Christ and Episcopal parishes, have made LGBTQ+ affirmation a central part of their mission. Others are led by queer clergy, offering services that reflect their lived experiences and a radical welcome. Rituals such as baptism, communion, or blessing take on renewed meaning when offered in spaces where queerness is embraced.And for those who don’t yet have access to a physical space, Beloved Arise offers virtual sanctuaries. Online youth groups, digital prayers, and even TikTok sermons allow queer youth to explore faith on their own terms—meeting them where they are and guiding them toward where they want to be.
The Urgency of Belonging
Silence in religious spaces isn’t neutral—it speaks volumes. For many LGBTQ+ youth, exclusion from spiritual life deepens the wounds of rejection they may already feel at home or school. That’s why Beloved Arise isn’t just another resource—it’s a response to a crisis.Its mission is clear: to remind every LGBTQ+ youth of faith that they are not alone, that their identity is sacred, and that their place in the world—and in their faith tradition—is real.
Join the Story
Beloved Arise is building a future where queer youth of faith are not only welcomed but honored. A future where saying “you are loved” isn’t rare but expected.To learn more and read more inspiring stories of LGBTQ+ youth reclaiming faith, visit Beloved Arise. Because faith can still be a sanctuary, and every young person deserves to feel at home in theirs.
