For International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, a reflection on creating radical, public inclusion as a community
Every year on May 17, communities worldwide mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia. The day is especially meaningful at a time when 2S and LGBTQIA+ communities—in Canada and globally—continue to face rising hostility, misinformation, violence, and exclusion. While Canada has made important strides in human rights protections, many people still experience rejection within families, schools, workplaces, faith spaces, and communities.
Across the United Church, many communities of faith are living out the commitment to faithful solidarity in meaningful and courageous ways. At Knox United Church, in Calgary, Alberta, the congregation’s ministry is grounded in the call to be a safe, inclusive, and welcoming place for all, inviting and encouraging everyone's full participation in their ministry and community.
The United Church is grateful for the below reflection by Graham Louden-Khan, Affirming Lead at Knox United. They describe their church’s witness as an affirming ministry, visibly and actively standing against homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia through its leadership, partnerships, worship life, and public witness.
An Open Space, A Vibrant Place, Sacred Connections
That's our call to ministry at Knox United—our anchor and our north star.
For over 50 years, Knox has worked to be a more open and safer space for the 2S and LGBTQIA+ community. It started quietly at first. Folks were accepted, loved, and welcomed for who they were. They were encouraged to accept leadership roles as their skills and desires warranted. They didn't need to hide who they were; they could be open members of two communities often at odds with each other. And over time, the congregation's reputation as a safe place for 2S and LGBTQIA+ folks to share in our ministry began to spread.
It was that reputation of safety that drew me to Knox nearly 25 years ago. When I first attended a service, I found several folks who I knew from the 2S and LGBTQIA+ community. I was welcomed by them and by the entire congregation, and was invited to become a part of the Knox community that Sunday. I was safe. I was home.
After a time, I joined the staff in Ministry with Children and Youth. Clergy, parents, and youth often reminded me I was staff because of all that I am, not in spite of it. I was safe to be me.
In 2007, after two years of intentional conversation, Knox became the first ministry in Calgary to join Affirm United, and become public, intentional, and explicit in our ministry of radical inclusion. That ministry continues to grow and become more fully integrated into everything we do. Today, we take a radical, public stand for inclusion. We proudly stand against homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia.
Today, our Rainbow Glitter Wall on the outside of our building, in the heart of downtown Calgary, proudly announces our support for the 2S and LGBTQIA+ community. It's seen by thousands daily. The Progress Pride flag flies high in our sanctuary, along with the Treaty Seven flag, and brings inclusion inside our walls. Our leadership team, which includes clergy, staff, and volunteers, has grown to be among the most diverse anywhere. Our partnerships with 2S and LGBTQIA+ organizations are growing. We boldly take a stand to support the inclusion of all people in our church community and in the wider community, at Calgary Pride and anywhere we can.
For me, and for many others, from diverse walks of life, Knox United is truly an open space and a vibrant place of sacred connections.
—Graham Louden-Khan (they/them) is Affirming Lead, at Knox United Church, in Calgary, Alberta
Resources to Reflect
This International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, we invite you to join in solidarity with The United Church of Canada and 2S and LGBTQIA+ communities in Canada and around the world as we affirm the dignity of all. To support reflection, accountability, and action during Pride season, we’re offering resources focused on the church’s apology to 2S and LGBTQIA+ communities, including a national webinar (on June 9), a downloadable apology resource, and a Pride prayer for worship. Together, they invite communities to move from words to faithful action—embodying the apology through worship, relationship, and a shared commitment to justice, while discerning next steps.
The views contained within these blogs are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of The United Church of Canada.
Downloads
- Exploring Apologies and Forgiveness (445.48 KB) (PDF)