this LGBTQ+ Heritage Season we celebrate...
Coming Out
One of the core missions of LGBTQ+ Heritage Season is to ensure that LGBTQ+ Methodist stories are preserved, not lost.
Submit a short narrative (video, audio, or written) describing your coming-out and/or your struggle to come out experience within the United Methodist Church or broader faith community. Your stories may reflect joy, struggle, humor, grief, resilience, or transformation — all are welcome.
Share stories publicly during worship, or privately for archival use. Record a story using GCAH's United Methodist Stories app on the page or on your phone.
- "When did you first out?”
- “Who supported you?”
- “How did your faith shape your journey?”
- “What do you want future generations to know?”
- “What were your obstacles that you faced/overcame?”
- “Where was God in your coming out?”
- “How did it shape/change your relationship with God?”
- “If you could leave yourself a message to your past-self (before coming out), what would you tell them?”
- “What words would you want to hear from your church community, to let you know that it's safe to come out?”
Draft a script you can reference while you are recording. Write as much as you feel comfortable, word-for-word or bullet points for important points. Make sure it is about 3-minutes worth of content.
Record in real-time using your PC/Tablet using the
UM Stories App on the right of this page →
or scan the QR Code below to use on your phone:
Ways to Get Involved
Include LGBTQ+ themes, scripture, music, prayers, and testimony in a regular scheduled worship service.
Host a special worship service focused on celebrating LGBTQ+ full inclusion and honoring their stories.
Highlight real-time reflections, live-streamed services, and shared liturgies to unify the broader connection.
Feature present and past LGBTQ+ Methodists in already-planned celebrations for All Saints Day, National Hispanic Heritage Month, or LGBTQ+ Clergy Month.
Promote a special offering or donations to support LGBTQ+ ministries, scholarships, or the Center for LGBTQ+ United Methodist Heritage.
Encourage congregations to host story-sharing circles, devotionals, or book clubs focused on queer theology or memoirs of LGBTQ+ faith leaders.