Manchester UMC Celebrates Pride Month
“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” — Colossians 3:14 (NRSVue)
At Manchester United Methodist Church, we journey toward greater understanding and respect for all. We affirm the diversity of our human family—across age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, family structure, socioeconomic status, education, political views, and life experiences.
lgBTq+ Family support network
Family members can experience a range of emotions when they learn a loved one is part of the LGBTQ+ community. This ministry is a faith-based welcoming, confidential, and non-sectarian safe forum for LGBTQ+ persons and their relatives and friends. We receive education, peacefully advocate, and share insights, comfort, and encouragement.
Addressing Common Myths with Facts
Myth #1: Homosexuality is a choice or a phase.
Fact: Orientation is shaped by genetics and brain development. Gender identity and orientation are distinct and natural.
Myth #2: The Bible condemns homosexuality.
Fact: The Bible emphasizes love and justice. Jesus never mentioned homosexuality. Resources like Unclobber help clarify.
Myth #3: Society is pushing people to be transgender.
Fact: Trans people have always existed. Visibility has grown due to increased safety, not cultural pressure.
Myth #4: Gender-affirming care is dangerous.
Fact: It’s well-established and medically guided, with reversible and age-appropriate stages.
Myth #5: Parents cause LGBTQ+ identity.
Fact: You didn’t cause it—but your response can deeply impact your child’s mental and emotional health.
Community Resources
- LGBTQ+ Family Support Network
- PFLAG – Find a Chapter Near You
- Metro Trans Umbrella Group
- St. Louis Queer+ Support Helpline – 314-380-7774
- Pride St. Louis
- Documentary: Gender Revolution by Katie Couric (2017) – Search online or Facebook for free versions.
- “Stonewall Uprising: The Year That Changed America”, PBS Documentary —https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/stonewall/
🌈 Public Acceptance of LGBTQIA+ Individuals
Acceptance Levels
A 2025 Pew Research Center survey found that
61% of LGBTQ+ adults perceive a great deal or fair amount of acceptance for gay and lesbian individuals.
However, only 13% felt the same for transgender people, and 14% for nonbinary individuals.
📊 LGBTQIA+ Identification
According to a
2024 Gallup poll, 9.3% of U.S. adults identify as LGBTQ+, up from 7.6% in 2023. This includes:
- 5.2% identifying as bisexual
- 2% as gay
- 1.4% as lesbian
- 1.3% as transgender
⚖️ Legislative Landscape
The
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is tracking
588 anti-LGBTQ+ bills across the United States in 2025. These often target transgender individuals, seeking to restrict
gender-affirming care, limit sports participation, and redefine legal definitions of sex.
Missouri-specific: The ACLU is monitoring
39 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills in Missouri alone in 2025.
🧠 Mental Health and Suicide Risk
According to The Trevor Project’s 2024 National Survey:
- 39% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year
- 46% of transgender and nonbinary youth considered suicide
- 12% of LGBTQ+ youth attempted suicide
Youth in the Midwest reported some of the highest rates of physical threat or harm based on sexual orientation or gender identity —
Wisconsin: 24%, Kansas: 28%.
🏠 Homelessness Among LGBTQIA+ Youth
According to the
National Network for Youth, up to 40% of the 4.2 million youth experiencing homelessness in the U.S.
identify as LGBTQ+, despite being a much smaller portion of the population.
Risk factors: LGBTQ+ youth are 120% more likely to experience homelessness compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers.
Want to Learn More?
Explore our LGBTQ+ Family Support Network and discover how you can be an ally, advocate, and friend.