Via No Matter How Fine a Love: The LGBTQ Baha'i Experience

 

As more Baha’i LGBTQ Allies come forward we must constantly address what being an ally looks like, what is appreciated, and what we can work on, we are all still learning as we move forward in this new century.  This list isn’t exhaustive and I encourage everyone’s input as I don’t speak for all LGBTQ Baha’is.  

What Baha’i LGBTQ Allies CAN Do 

1. Stand up to / educate homophobic, transphobic, or misinformed Baha’is in person and on Social Media.

2. When discussing forms of prejudice in a Baha’i setting make a point to mention homophobia and transphobia as forms of prejudice that Baha’is should stand up against.

3. If a Baha’i promotes Reparative / Conversion Therapy please be a voice of reason and mention the dangers of this fringe science and its lackluster success rates.

4. Challenge Baha’is when they mention that they know happy celibate LGBTQ Baha’is, they are a very small minority of LGBTQ Baha’is whose life choices should be respected, but not reflective of most of our lived experiences.

5. On Social Media post stories of LGBTQ inclusion, show support for Pride Month, Transgender Awareness Week, and LGBTQ History Month.

6. Actually LISTEN to LGBTQ Baha’i lived experiences in the Baha’i Faith, many of us are very deepened and have served the Cause in many capacities.

7. Educate your Baha’i community on mental health concerns for LGBTQ people, inclusion matters, heavy handed Baha’is and Institutions have and will continue to push some of us over the edge.

8. Write your concerns to your National Spiritual Assembly and the Universal House of Justice, they need to hear from you, they’ve already heard from us believe me! 

What Baha’i LGBTQ Allies Should NOT Do

1. Showing support in a passive way such as hushed tones and when other Baha’is are not around.

2. Remaining silent when other Baha’is make homophobic and transphobic comments.

3. Remaining silent when Baha’is promote the fringe science of Reparative / Conversion Therapy. 

4. Telling LGBTQ Baha’is what is and what is not homophobic or transphobic, it’s not for heterosexuals to decide that.

5. Challenging LGBTQ Baha’is when they do not think the most recent guidance from the National Spiritual Assembly and the Universal House of Justice is helpful, inviting, or affirming.

6. Telling LGBTQ Baha’is that you are in the same boat for being a single celibate Baha’i, to many of us it’s a false equivalency.

7. Avoid posting LGBTQ affirming content on Social Media out of fear of other Baha’is and Baha’i Institutions.