Question 1

What is LOVEboldly?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

Where is LOVEboldly located? Where does LOVEboldly serve?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

What stance does LOVEboldly take on homosexuality?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Is it a sin to be LGBTQIA+? Or to be in a same-sex relationship?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Does LOVEboldly have a hidden agenda?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

Where does LOVEboldly stand on the Transgender community?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

What does LOVEboldly think about SOCEs and reparative therapy?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

Does LOVEboldly represent a denomination? Do I have to be part of that denomination to participate or utilize LOVEboldly's resources?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

Do I have to be a Christian to use LOVEboldly's resources or attend your programs?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

Why does LOVEboldly engage in organizing and advocacy?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

I'm a member of the press or media, how do I request a comment from LOVEboldly?

Accepted Answer

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.

FAQs About LOVEboldly

Frequently Asked Questions