Definitions EQUAL, AFFIRMED, INCLUDED.

The following definitions are a starting Demisexual: A demisexual is a person Intersex: describes a person whose point for learning about the language of who does not experience sexual attraction body does not fit the conventional the LGBTIQA+ community. unless they form an emotional connection. definitions of “male” and “female”. It’s more commonly seen in, but by no This includes hormone imbalances, LGBTIQA+: stands for , , means confined to, romantic relationships. atypical chromosomes, and physical sex Are you a lesbian, gay, bi+, trans, intersex, or asexual+ person with Christian faith? Bisexual, , Intersex, Queer and Comes from the orientation being “halfway characteristics that reflect the typical sex Asexual. The plus represents the many We are a community of churches, groups and organisations that affirm, celebrate and between” sexual and asexual. religious characteristics of either both male and identities that are not represented in that culture and ideology. female or neither male or female. Also support people just like you! Not sure what it means to be LGBTIQA+ affirming? acronym. known as the more medicalised term Dysphoria: refers to “gender dysphoria” Here’s our statement of affirmation: Affirming : typically refers “differences of sex development”. which is the experience of often to theology that is doesn’t believe unbearable or nearly unbearable Lesbian: A woman whose primary being same-sex attracted, gender non- disconnection between (1) how others romantic, emotional, physical and sexual conforming, queer etc. is a sin, affirms gender you (social) and (2) how you attractions are to other women. the identities of queer people. Believes perceive the gendering of your own body that being LGBTIQA+ is an intended and Marginalisation: The process of making a We believe that LGBTIQA+ people are a loved and (physical). wonderful part of God’s created diversity. group/class of people less important that Ex-gay/Ex-trans: Someone who no longer is relegating them to a secondary position. essential part of God’s intended human diversity. Ally/Allyship: Describes the act of identifies as gay, lesbian or trans. They supporting a group other than one’s own Non-affirming theology: theology that are almost always still attracted to the (in terms of racial identity, gender, faith believes that queer people are either same sex or experiencing some form of identity, sexual orientation etc.) Allies broken and/or sinful. dysphoria, so the label is often about acknowledge that other groups face rejecting the identity rather than truly Non-binary: a catch all category for disadvantage and oppression different changing on the inside. The idea that gender identities that are not exclusively to their own; take risks and supportive people can and should become ex-gay or masculine or feminine and thus exist action on their behalf; commit to reducing ex-trans has been shown time and time outside the gender binary. Is also an Here are some groups, organisations and resources that can help you work out more their own complicity or collusion in again to be extremely harmful. While the identity in itself. about who you are and how your faith and sexuality work together oppression of those groups and invest in terms “ex-lesbian” and “ex-bi” make sense, strengthening their own knowledge and Pansexual: the sexual, romantic, emotional they are almost never used in the ex-gay/ awareness of oppression. “Allyship is a attraction to people regardless of their sex ex-trans movement. verb not a noun”. or gender identity. Gay: A word describing a man or a woman Asexual: Person who is not sexually Patriarchy: A social system of male who is emotionally, romantically, sexually attracted to anyone or does not have a domination in which males hold the and relationally attracted to members of sexual orientation. (This is a spectrum.) primary power, predominate in roles of the same sex. political leadership, moral authority, social Aromantic: A person who does not Gender: The concepts of masculinity and privilege and control of property. In the experience romantic attractions. femininity as they are socially constructed. family domain men hold authority over Biphobia: The fear of, discrimination The qualities and social expectations women and children. against, or hatred of bisexuals, which is that are ‘appropriate’ to accompanying Privilege: A right, license, or exemption www.thebravenetwork.org www.equalvoices.org.au www.melbourne www.uniting often times related to the current binary biological sex. from duty or liability that is granted as a Support and advocacy group for National advocacy organisation acceptance.wixsite.com/ networkaustralia standard. Biphobia exists in the LGBTQI+ Gender Expression: How one expresses special benefit, advantage or favour. LGBTIQA+ people from Christian with branches in most states and home .org.au community as well as in general society. their gender identity to others. Such as Common examples of biphobia include the Queer: Often used as an umbrella term backgrounds territories We are an open and UNA is the national through behaviour, dress, mannerisms, hair, affirming community in network for LGBTIQ+ idea that bisexuals are more likely to cheat from the LGBTI+ community. Depending The primary focus of Brave “We are a movement of straight body and voice characteristics. Melbourne, Australia that people, their families, etc. on the user it may be derogatory or Network is ensuring the wellbeing and LGBTIQ+ Christians who Gender Identity: An individual’s internal affirming. It is a word that has largely been supports Catholics who friends and supporters Bisexual: A person who has significant of LGBTIQA+ people of faith, mourn the silencing and rejection sense of being male, female or something reclaimed although its use used to be and identify as Lesbian, Gay, within the Uniting romantic, emotional, physical and sexual regardless of their faith journey. of Christians who are LGBTIQ+ by else. Since gender identity is internal, it sometimes still exists as a slur. Bisexual, Transgender, Church in Australia. attractions to members of multiple Brave Network is fully affirming our churches. We are committed may not be visible to everyone else. Intersex and Queer. genders. The frequency intensity, or quality Sex: the category of male and female in of LGBTIQA+ inclusive theology to the cultivation of church of attraction is not necessarily directed Gender non-conforming: Used to describe which humans and most living things are and is both sex positive and faith cultures in which LGBTIQ+ people Acceptance Melbourne divided into based on their reproductive toward each gender equally. is people whose gender expression differs positive. are welcomed and accepted on has been providing a safe functions and biological characteristics. also a spectrum and sometimes you will from societal expectations placed upon the same basis as anyone whose space for LGBTIQ Catholics see the term “bi+” used to indicate this. them regarding gender. Sexual orientation: Emotional, romantic, BraveNetworkMelbourne sexuality is ‘straight’.” to practice their faith since sexual and relational attraction to another Cisgender: often shortened to “cis”. Genderqueer: A term used by some We also have a closed group. 1973. person. May be same-sex orientation, bi/ Visit the website to get the Describes a person who exclusively and individuals who identify as neither entirely Send us a message to learn more. unambiguously identifies as the gender male nor entirely female. pan orientation etc. contact details for your area. they were assigned at birth (by parents/ Heteronormativity: The assumption Transgender: Is sometimes shortened doctors). that everyone is heterosexual, and that to trans. Often used as an umbrella term : Therapy that heterosexuality is superior to other and describes someone who does not attempts to “fix” or change someone’s sexualities. Exists at individual as well as exclusively and unambiguously identify sexual orientation. Is not grounded in institutional levels. as the gender they were assigned at Counsellors with expertise in LGBTIQ identity and Christian faith any psychological research and has been birth (by their parents and/or doctors). Homophobia: Negative feelings, attitudes, shown to be very harmful. Also often Note transgender is correctly used as an actions and/or behaviours toward anyone referred to as ex-gay or ex-trans therapy. adjective and not a noun. So “transgender who is gay or thought to be gay. More correctly viewed as part of the people” is appropriate but “” conversion movement due to its virtually Homosexuality: Defines attraction to the is largely viewed as disrespectful. same sex. Many prefer other terms such as inseparable connection to evangelical Transphobia: The fear, hatred of, or “gay” or “lesbian”. Considered offensive to www.mgacounselling.com.au www.equipcounsellingconsulting.com.au www.queerspace.org.au discomfort with people whose gender many LGBTIQA+ people. expression or identity does not conform to cultural gender norms. www.qlife.org.au QLife provides anonymous and free LGBTI peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships. Produced by Brave Network Melbourne For more information, visit www.thebravenetwork.org 1800 184 527 Webchat 3pm to midnight, 7 days Have you been told that you’re broken? Read, listen and learn It is all too common for LGBTIQA+ people of faith to be told that they are “broken” or “damaged” due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Times have changed and almost every organisation, therapist or group focused on Podcasts Changing our Mind (3rd Ed) Sex Difference in Christian changing LGBTIQA+ identity (sometimes called ex-gay therapy, ex-trans therapy www.socesurvivors.com.au or the conversion movement) has now closed, reconciled scripture and sexuality, by David Gushee Theology: Male, Female, The SOCE Survivor Statement has been INSIDE EX-GAY and become affirming. In Changing Our Mind, and Intersex in the Image written by survivors of the ex-gay/ www.insideexgay.org of God Here’s the official statement of the Australian Psychological Society on affirming ex-trans/conversion movement – a leading evangelical ethicist A series of podcasts featuring survivors by Megan K. DeFranza sexuality and gender: movement of which conversion therapy Dr David Gushee takes the of the ex-gay/ex-trans conversion is one small aspect – to clearly define the reader along his personal and This is a great resource for www.psychology.org.au/About-Us/What-we-do/advocacy/Position-Statements/ movement, major Australian church movement, its ideology, and strategies theological journey as he changes his those who want to look at gender from use-of-psychological-practice-sexual-orientation leaders and theologians, and straight for ending it. mind about gay, lesbian, bisexual and an academic perspective. A challenging allies. transgender inclusion in the Church. read but one of the best books about Visit Inside Ex-gay radio podcasts at Torn: Rescuing the Gospel gender. Brave and Equal Voices regularly send speakers to churches and Christian groups to talk about LGBTIQA+ affirming www.insideexgay.org/radio. from the God vs Christian This is My Body: Hearing the theology. If you are interested, contact Brave Network Melbourne or the Melbourne Branch of Equal Voices. Debate Theology of Transgender Here are some churches in Victoria that are LGBTIQA+ affirming: Articles by Christians – edited The SOCE Survivors Statement page by Michelle O’Brien and Collins Street Baptist Church South Yarra Anglican Church Sacred Heart If you are beginning to lists nearly every article about the think about the relationship Christian Beardsley Preston Fitzroy North Community Church West Melbourne Baptist Church ex-gay/ex-trans conversion movement between LGBTIQA+ people and the A great book that explores South Yarra Community Baptist (sometimes called gay conversion church, Justin Lee’s book is a wonderful Brunswick Uniting Church Immaculate Conception Catholic people’s relationship between gender Church therapy). introduction. Justin’s book is very and faith. Written by trans Christians Parish Hawthorn Richmond Uniting Church www.socesurvivors.com.au. accessible and warmly written. It’s a this book is important because too St Cecilia’s Catholic Church great taste of affirming theology but is Cornerstone Congregation Moreland Articles from ABBI (Ambassadors and often they are written about and poorly Melbourne Inclusive Church Glen Iris more of an accessible introduction than Bridge Builders International). www. consulted. Here they share their own St Joseph’s Catholic Church a thorough academic offering. A great Ashburton Baptist Church abbi.org.au/resources. stories and theology and we are the South Yarra place to start! richer for their wonderful contribution. ABBI was founded by noted Sydney- based speaker, former church leader, Undivided Trans-gender: Theology, and conversion movement survivor by Vicky Beeching Ministry, and Communities Affirming theology/churches Anthony Venn-Brown. Former Christian worship of Faith Websites/blogs/twitter music icon Vicky Beeching by Justin Tanis Typically refers to theology and churches that affirm the Books shares her powerful story. Tanis’ book demonstrates identity of queer people and do not believe being same-sex austenhartke.com While her story is her own, it how important it is that our attracted, trans or queer is a sin or a form of “brokenness”. Particularly worth checking out for Austen’s , Gender, Sexuality is one that many LGBTIQA+ Christians communities are inclusive, particularly ‘Trans Faith’ by James Brownson will relate to. Non-affirming / Non-affirming theology for trans people. It offers a strong believeoutloud.com Brownson’s book is one of Theology that believes that queer people are either broken A Life of Unlearning biblical case for the inclusion and the most thorough academic and/or sinful. Non-affirming faith communities may propose transfaithonline.org by Anthony Venn-Brown celebration of trans Christians in texts on LGBTIQA+ identity celibacy, conversion activities (eg. therapy), or even outright communities of faith. Multi faith website and theology. It deeply The story of a former rejection. Mandated celibacy is non-affirming as it is based queergrace.com explores all affirming arguments. While pentecostal leader from Unashamed: A Coming-Out on the same “brokenness” ideology as the ex-gay/ex-trans/ “..an encyclopaedia for LGBTQ and Christian Life” it does discuss affirming arguments for Sydney who came out after Guide for LGBTQ Christians conversion movement. Non-affirming theology is damaging trans and gender diverse people as well, many years of marriage and by Amber Cantorna as it leads people to believe that they are inferior and that manyvoices.org it largely focusses on theology around ministry. Anthony is now an LGBTIQ+ part of who they are is wrong. Celibacy is never spoken of A Black Church movement for LGBT+ justice A great guide for those who same-sex relationships. rights advocate. are navigating the tricky in the Bible as a mandate for an entire group of people, qchristian.org experience of coming out. It’s much less the notion of being queer and celibate. It is a new Q Christian Fellowship, formerly Gay Christian Network. God and The Gay Christian Rainbow Theology: filled with stories that remind you that response that has been promoted in recent years as churches QCF also has a fabulous YouTube channel. by Matthew Vines Bridging Race, Sexuality, realise that they can not change people’s sexual orientation many other people have navigated this Vines’ book is one of the most and Spirit or gender identity (and that they may get in trouble if they reformationproject.org too and you are not alone. comprehensive and accessible by Patrick S. Cheng try). The Reformation Project. Also has a wonderful YouTube channel. books that explores many of Cheng’s book masterfully Welcoming the key affirming theological explores the theological work Other books for the super keen: canyonwalkerconnections.com arguments for same-sex relationships. of LGBTIQ+ people of colour. Cheng’s Most churches would fit into the welcoming but not affirming The website of champion ally and advocate Kathy If you are only going to read one book book demonstrates the importance of Queer Bible Commentary category. Where churches “welcome” LGBT+ people. Baldock this would be a great choice. considering the intersections of race and Take Back the Word: A However, the welcome is always followed by a “but”. You and queerness. Queer Reading of the Bible. are welcome, BUT… you can’t get married here, serve in a elielcruz.com Walking the Bridgeless leadership position here and we think ideally you would not Eliel is a bisexual Christian activist Canyon Sex and the Single Saviour be queer or at least not “act on it”. They don’t, however, thekevingarcia.com by Kathy Baldock by Martin Dale support same-sex marriage, or queer people who are non Blog of internationally celebrated gay Christian advocate Kathy’s book is a wonderful Dale’s work is a collection of celibate being in leadership roles. The slogan “love the sinner, and writer Kevin Garcia resource and she expertly academic essays. It contains hate the sin” demonstrates this kind of theology well. www.transspirit.org examines how theology particularly good essays Ancient Laws and Blog from trans leader, Anglican priest and theologian around queer people has been shaped on several New Testament Contemporary Jo Inkpin by social, political, psychological and passages that are frequently used to Controversies historical factors. This would also be an condemn queer people. by Dr Cheryl B. Anderson excellent choice if you were only to read one book. Transforming: The Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians by Austen Hartke A wonderful book. If you know a trans person then read this book. It’s a great introduction and Austen is a wonderful scholar of the Hebrew Bible.