We have heard countless stories over the years of rejection and abuse by religious organizations from LGBTQ people over the years. This has created a feeling of isolation and loneliness among many who simply yearn to observe their faith traditions. The current COVID-19 pandemic requires everyone who can to stay at home and practice social distancing, which is a struggle for all of us this Easter season, especially those LGBTQ-identifying individuals who already have been alienated from their places of worship.

That feeling may be especially acute this week, as Jews and Christians commemorate some of the holiest days of the year. Fortunately, LGBTQ faith organizations are stepping up. We previously posted some Passover celebrations, and today we are sharing some Easter commemorations.

Believe Out Loud, is this year hosting its first-ever Easter Sunday worship service on its website. GLAAD is proud to have been a Founding Partner in Believe Out Loud and we continue to support their work today. GLAAD’s president posted a video message for all who wish to gather for Easter.

Need a space to celebrate Easter Sunday? Our President and CEO @sarahkateellis recommends the LGBTQ-affirming @BelieveOutLoud online service. pic.twitter.com/IOogBHz4Xr

— GLAAD (@glaad) April 9, 2020

The service will be online beginning at 10 a.m. Eastern time on Sunday, April 12, helping to facilitate a much-needed connection to our faith and our community.Because this service will live online, it offers participants wherever they are ― and whenever they are able to — the opportunity to celebrate the highest holiday in Christianity in a meaningful, affirming and inspiring way. The 20-minute service will feature six faith leaders from around the country and the world providing LGBT community-tailored spiritual readings, along with a pre-taped performance by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington.

The Naming Project is a Christian ministry serving youth of all sexual and gender identities. Founded by the Senior Director of the GLAAD Media Institute, The Naming Project provides a safe place for youth who are LGBTQ or allied to learn, grow, and share their experiences.

Many of us have been self-isolated or sheltering in place for a few weeks now, missing being able to get a bunch of friends together in one place. When we think about gathering together at The Naming Project, of course we think of campfire! At camp, we have campfire each evening, a time for prayer and song and dance. We even do one campfire out on the pontoon so we can see the whole wide sky.

The Naming Project will gather around a virtual “campfire” on the first day of Easter, April 12 at 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time. They will be streaming live on their Facebook page, singing some of our favorite camp songs, joining in prayer, and perhaps hearing a message from Christian and queer icon, Dolly Parton.