Beloved Arise is a national nonprofit based in Seattle whose mission is to celebrate and empower LGBT youth of faith from various religious traditions.[1] The multi-faith organization develops resources, youth programs, and communities that empower youth to embrace both their faith and their queer identity.[2][3]
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| Formation | February 14, 2020 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Jun Love Young |
| Headquarters | Seattle, Washington, United States |
| Website | https://www.belovedarise.org |
History
editBeloved Arise was founded by Jun Love Young on February 14, 2020.[4] Young was driven to found the organization when he faced opposition from his faith communities for coming out as gay.[5][6] The non-profit was initially focused on providing resources for LGBTQ+ youth from Christian backgrounds. However, in 2022 Beloved Arise broadened its scope to support LGBTQ+ youth from all religious traditions.[7]
On June 30, 2020, Beloved Arise proclaimed the first Queer Youth of Faith Day, which included an hour-long livestream with speakers from multiple religious traditions.[8]
In early June 2021, the group released Serenade, an album of "love songs for LGBTQ youth of faith".[9][10] The album included 10 original songs and was produced by Kyle and Gretta Miller of Tow'rs. Participating musicians included Alex Blue, Courier, Corey Kilganon, Gattison, Ella Sharp, iiwa, Mel Rottman, Tyson Motsenbocker, Tim Be Told, and Tow'rs.[11]
In 2022 the group founded the Youth Ambassador program, which aims to share the stories of religious LGBT young people.[12] The initial youth ambassadors came from Jewish, Mormon, Presbyterian, and Southern Baptist backgrounds.[13]
As of 2022 the group had a combined 45,000 followers on Instagram and TikTok.[5]
Activity
editBeloved Arise hosts Queer Youth of Faith Day, an annual event that celebrates and champions LGBTQ+ youth of faith. Held on June 30, the event includes participants from a variety of faiths and religious backgrounds.[4][5][14]
External links
editReferences
edit- ^ "Beloved Arise". Beloved Arise. Retrieved April 20, 2023.
- ^ Rivera, Joselin (September 9, 2022). "Beloved Arise Founder Jun Love Young Shares A Message to Queer Youth of Faith". OUT FRONT. Retrieved April 21, 2023.
- ^ "About Us". Beloved Arise. Retrieved April 21, 2023.
- ^ a b Henao, Luis Andres (July 4, 2021). "LGBTQ youth of faith pray, bond at 'Beloved Arise' group". AP NEWS. Retrieved April 8, 2023.
- ^ a b c Rivera, Joselin (September 9, 2022). "Beloved Arise Founder Jun Love Young Shares A Message to Queer Youth of Faith". OUT FRONT. Retrieved April 8, 2023.
- ^ Shapiro, Nina (December 1, 2018). "'I am a gay Christian': Debates about LGBTQ acceptance roil Seattle-area nonprofits, churches". The Seattle Times. Retrieved April 8, 2023.
- ^ Rivera, Joselin (September 9, 2022). "Beloved Arise Founder Jun Love Young Shares A Message to Queer Youth of Faith". OUT FRONT. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
- ^ Colón, Christina (July 2, 2020). "Queer, Christian, and Beloved". Sojourners. Retrieved April 8, 2023.
- ^ McMenamin, Lexi (June 29, 2021). "'Like a Love Letter to Queer Youth'". Sojourners. Retrieved April 8, 2023.
- ^ Miller, Emily McFarlan (June 8, 2021). "'Serenade' album celebrates LGBTQ youth ahead of Queer Youth of Faith Day". Religion News Service. Retrieved April 8, 2023.
- ^ "Serenade by Various Artists". Apple Music. 2021. Retrieved April 8, 2023.
- ^ "GMA Inspiration List: Celebrating LGBTQ+ youth making change". Good Morning America. Retrieved April 8, 2023.
- ^ Henao, Luis Andres (June 24, 2022). "LGBTQ youth of faith retell their stories to inspire others". AP NEWS. Retrieved April 8, 2023.
- ^ "Queer Youth of Faith Day is around the corner! Here's what to expect from activists and organizers in and outside of GLAAD". GLAAD. June 29, 2022. Retrieved April 8, 2023.