Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Trangendered People at St. John's
St. John's is proud to have been one of the first churches in Cincinnati at openly welcome lesbian and gay people. Over the past 30 years, that welcome has grown into a strong and vocal commitment to justice and fairness for people of all sexual orientation and gender identities.
In the early 1970's, St. John's opened its doors to give meeting space to one of Cincinnati's first gay organizations, a chapter of Metropolitan Community Church. Organizers of the city's first Pride Parade in 1971 used our church as home base for their planning efforts and held a dinner at St. John's to celebrate their successful event.
During the 1980s and 1990s, many of the leaders of the local LGBT community were members of our congregation. Countless gay events, workshops, meetings and concerts have been held in our sanctuary and fellowship hall on Resor Avenue.
In recent years, St. John's members were at the forefront of the successful campaign to pass a human rights law in Cincinnati protecting LGBT people from discrimination. Our congregation is deeply committed to ongoing efforts to bring marriage equality to Ohio.
We are pleased to be recognized as a Welcoming Congregation by the Unitarian Universalist Association, a special distinction given to churches who have proven their commitment to the affirmation and inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. In 2000, we were named the "best local church for gay couples" by Cincinnati's CityBeat magazine.
Our church regularly participates in Pride Parades, works with local LGBT organizations, and holds worship services and forums centered on sexual orientation and gender identity issues.
Our minister performs same-sex union ceremonies. Same-gender couples and their children are embraced here. They are listed together in the church's directory and pictured together on our membership board. Our congregation annually gives Outreach Grants to LGBT organizations in the local community. The Cincinnati Pride Committee and a Gay Alcoholics Anonymous group meet regularly at St. John's.
St. John's currently has an active social group for LGBT members and friends. This chapter of the national UU group "Interweave" meets monthly for lunch after church and also sponsors seasonal social events.
Further information about LGBT people and the Unitarian Universalist denomination can be found here.
For more information about the "Welcoming Congregation" program, please visit here.