LOVEboldly is a faith-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to create more spaces where LGBTQIA+ people can flourish in Christianity. We serve and represent LGBTQIA+ Christians and their allies.

LOVEboldly is based in Westerville, OH, part of the Columbus metropolitan area and is strategically aligned to Ohio. That said, the majority of LOVEboldly's resources and programs are available online for people to access from anywhere.

LOVEboldly affirms the worth and dignity of LGBTQIA+ people as created in the image of God. We further affirm that LGBTQIA+ people are called to marriage and all church offices (including pastor, elder, and bishop) in the same way as straight and cisgender individuals. We envision a world where LGBTQIA+ people can be safe, belong, and flourish both in the church and beyond.

No. LOVEboldly rejects the position that being LGBTQIA+ or being in a same-gender relationship, including sexual relationships, is sinful. LOVEboldly welcomes honest discussion and conversation about sexual orientation and gender identity, but we will not engage with people who deny the humanity and existence of LGBTQIA+ people.

No. The LOVEboldly team has no agenda to "make" LGBTQIA+ folks straight or cisgender. We are working for a church and for a world where LGBTQIA+ can be safe, belong, and flourish. If that challenges your theological or ethical views, we want to be in conversation with you. That said, our goal is to make the church a totally affirming place for all people, particularly LGBTQIA+ people. We aim to push people and congregations to affirming and celebrating every Queer person.

LOVEboldly fully affirms and includes the Trans community and has Trans members on our board and among our partners. Let us be clear, there can be no Queer liberation without the Trans community. If you are Trans and reading this know that we see you, we love you, God loves you, and God created you Trans.

Sexual orientation change efforts (SOCEs) are a form of torture and are based in junk science. LOVEboldly categorically rejects SOCEs including, but not limited to reparative "therapy," conversion "therapy," and “praying the gay away.

LOVEboldly neither represents nor speaks for any denomination. We are intentionally interdenominational and work with congregations and people from many traditions. In fact one does not need to be a Christian in order to utilize our resources or be a part of our community. While LOVEboldly exists to create spaces where LGBTQIA+ people can flourish in Christianity, we welcome the partnership and participation of people who identify with any faith, religion, spirituality, or belief system including secular systems. The only requirements LOVEboldly insists on are a respect for the beliefs of others (even if they are not our own) and moving toward communities which celebrate and affirm the identities of each person equitably. Remember what Dr. Cornel West said about love: "Tenderness is what love looks like in private. Justice is what love looks like in public.

Absolutely not! While LOVEboldly is strategically oriented to Christianity and LGBTQIA+ Christians, we welcome anyone (yes, even you!) to our programs and to use our resources.

The ministry of Jesus Christ was anything but passive. We model our advocacy and organizing and our engagement with public theology on Jesus' example. As Christians we are compelled to bring our faith into the public square. LOVEboldly is actively engaged work in our own advocacy and we work in collaboration with organizations such as Honesty for Ohio Education, Equality Ohio, Faith in Public Life, and the ACLU of Ohio among others.

Thank you for your interest in speaking to a member of the LOVEboldly team. Please refer to the information on the "Media and Branding" page (click here) for more information.

Absolutely, yes. Your sexual orientation, gender identity, and faith are all beautiful parts of who God created you to be. Many faithful Christians throughout history have been LGBTQIA+, even when they couldn't live openly. Today, there are thriving communities of LGBTQIA+ Christians who love Jesus deeply and serve God authentically. Your identity doesn't disqualify you from God's love or from being part of the Christian community.

The Bible passages often cited (such as Leviticus 18:22 and Romans 1:26-27) are much more complex than they first appear. Many biblical scholars point out that these passages address specific cultural practices like temple prostitution, exploitative relationships, or violations of ancient hospitality codes, not loving, committed relationships between equals. The Bible's overarching message is about love, justice, and inclusion. When we read Scripture through the lens of Jesus' radical love and welcome, we see that God's heart is always toward embrace, not exclusion.

What do you mean by "traditional?" Marriage has taken many forms throughout biblical history including polygamy, arranged marriages, and marriages for political alliance. The biblical emphasis isn't on one specific structure, but on relationships marked by love, faithfulness, and mutual care. Jesus himself was single and elevated singleness as a blessed state. The heart of Christian relationship ethics is about covenant love, not gender complementarity. God delights in all relationships that reflect divine love, commitment, and justice.

Yes. Anger at injustice is often righteous anger which is the same kind of anger Jesus showed when confronting systems that harmed vulnerable people. The church has caused real harm to LGBTQIA+ people, and it's healthy to name that. Your anger can be a sign of your deep love for what the church could be. Many LGBTQIA+ Christians have found healing by channeling that anger into working for change, creating more inclusive communities, or simply by allowing themselves to grieve what they've lost.

Start by remembering that God's love isn't conditional on your sexual orientation or gender identity. Try praying honestly about your fears, doubts, and hopes. You might pray, "God, I'm struggling to believe you love all of me. Help me feel your acceptance." Listen for God's voice in Scripture passages about divine love (like Psalm 139 or Romans 8:38-39), in nature, in the love of affirming friends, and in moments of peace. Sometimes God's acceptance comes as a gentle knowing rather than a dramatic revelation.

If you live in Ohio, check out LOVEboldly's list of Affirming Churches in Ohio. Outside of Ohio you can checkout GayChurch.org. You can also look for churches in progressive denominations, but remember that not all congregations in these denominations may be affirming or affirming to the level you are seeking. The Episcopal Church The United Church of Christ The Presbyterian Church (USA) The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) The United Methodist Church The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Yes! Many LGBTQIA+ Christians serve as pastors, chaplains, missionaries, and lay leaders. Your lived experience of navigating marginalization can actually deepen your pastoral heart and your understanding of God's justice. Some denominations fully affirm LGBTQIA+ clergy, while others are still wrestling with these questions. Your calling is valid regardless of institutional barriers and God can use you powerfully to serve others, especially those who feel excluded or wounded.

Yes! Many LGBTQIA+ Christians have a hard time believing that there are Queer clergy after being told for so long that they can't serve in ministry because of who they are. In fact, LOVEboldly's executive director, the Rev. Dr. Ben Huelskamp, is a Queer man and one of LOVEboldly's board members, the Rev. Iva Joyce-Miesse, is a lesbian. They are both ordained clergy people.

While the Bible doesn't use modern language about gender identity, it contains many examples of people who crossed gender boundaries or lived outside traditional gender roles like the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8, who was welcomed into the early church. Jesus himself spoke affirmingly of eunuchs and those who were "born that way" (Matthew 19:12). The biblical emphasis is on looking at the heart rather than outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7). God's image is broad enough to encompass all gender expressions.

Many Christians see medical care that helps people live authentically as part of God's gift of healing. Just as we might use medical intervention for other aspects of our wellbeing, caring for your gender identity through appropriate medical care can be an act of stewarding the body and life God has given you. The goal is wholeness and health. Prayer, pastoral care, and medical care can all work together as you make decisions that are right for your life and circumstances.

Yes. Many Christians believe that marriage is about covenant love between partners, regardless of gender. The biblical principles of marriage, faithfulness, mutual care, sacrificial love, and commitment, can absolutely be lived out in same-sex relationships. Many affirming churches perform same-sex weddings and see them as holy unions blessed by God. Your love is a witness to God's love for humanity. What matters most is the quality of love, respect, and commitment you bring to your relationship.

Lead with empathy and humility. Acknowledge the real harm that has been done in Christianity's name. Don't try to defend the church's failures. Instead, express your own sorrow about the pain they've experienced. Share your own story of finding God's love and acceptance. Live out your faith through radical welcome and justice work. Sometimes the most powerful witness is simply being visible as an LGBTQIA+ person who loves Jesus. Let your life demonstrate that Christianity can be life-giving, not life-denying. If you're interested in doing more, LOVEboldly would love to have you join our work as a volunteer and/or as a donor. To donate, click here. To volunteer, contact our executive director, the Rev. Dr. Ben Huelskamp (just call him Ben) at bhuelskamp@loveboldly.net.