As Pride Month unfolds across the D.C. region, stories of resilience, inclusion, and advocacy are taking center stage—especially from corners once thought to be unwelcoming: religious institutions. Contrary to the belief that coming out often means turning away from faith, nearly half of the LGBTQ+ community in the United States still considers themselves religious. Today, many faith-based groups are not just welcoming LGBTQ+ individuals but actively participating in Pride events to offer fellowship, representation, and spiritual affirmation.
Bridging the Gap Between Faith and Identity
Marianne Duddy-Burke, executive director of DignityUSA, has dedicated her life to reconciling faith and sexual identity. DignityUSA, founded in 1969, advocates for the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ Catholics in the life and leadership of the Church. For Duddy-Burke, 2025 marks her 40th year of national service for LGBTQ+ Catholics.
“Claiming our place in society, in our churches, at work, and in our homes is really important,” she said.
Though Pope Francis has brought increased visibility to LGBTQ+ issues within the Catholic Church—meeting openly with queer leaders like Duddy-Burke—official church doctrine remains unchanged. LGBTQ+ individuals still face exclusion from many sacraments and leadership roles.
“Many people interpret [church teaching] as saying that trans people and queer people are not part of God’s plan for humanity,” Duddy-Burke explained. “That’s a painful message for people of faith who also identify as LGBTQ+.”
Finding Faith and Community in Bet Mishpachah
For members of the Jewish LGBTQ+ community, Bet Mishpachah offers a safe and affirming space to worship. The congregation, which meets at the Jewish Community Center in D.C., was founded nearly five decades ago and is considered the city’s first queer synagogue.
“We’ll be hitting our 50th year next year,” said Roo Sultan, a Silver Spring resident and active member of Bet Mishpachah.
Describing the congregation as small but close-knit, Sultan said the spiritual and social bonds are strong within the community. “It’s a lot of fun, and it really feels like family.”
Their presence at the WorldPride D.C. festival was both meaningful and impactful. Sultan recalled how many young queer attendees were visibly moved to see a Jewish presence at the event.
“They came up to our table and said, ‘Oh my God, there are Jews here!’” she said. “They feel represented, they feel seen. That’s what this is about.”
A Growing Religious Presence at Pride
Bet Mishpachah was joined at WorldPride D.C. by a number of religious organizations committed to LGBTQ+ inclusion. These included:
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Bethesda United Methodist Church
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Dumbarton Methodist Church
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Dignity Washington DC’s Faith Community for LGBTQ Catholics
Their participation sends a powerful message that not only are LGBTQ+ people welcome in faith spaces—they are essential to them.
These churches and faith-based organizations are not passive supporters; they actively advocate for inclusive theology, host Pride booths, and participate in community outreach. Their message is clear: LGBTQ+ people do not have to choose between being true to themselves and maintaining their faith.
More Than Visibility—It’s Representation
For many LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly youth, seeing faith leaders who affirm their identity can be life-changing. The presence of spiritual communities at Pride events signals a shift from tolerance to true acceptance. It breaks down decades of mistrust and builds bridges toward healing.
“This work isn’t just about changing hearts and minds,” said Duddy-Burke. “It’s about showing queer people of faith that they have a rightful place in God’s house—and that they never needed to leave.”
As Pride Month continues, the voices of faith leaders, congregants, and LGBTQ+ people of belief remind the world that spirituality and identity are not mutually exclusive. In fact, for many, they are beautifully intertwined.
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