Open Hearts (LGBTQ+ Family and Friends)
At Trinity we believe that God loves you and your family just as they are. Trinity is proud to be listed as an affirming church on gaychurch.org. We currently offer three Open Hearts groups that meet monthly: Teen Open Hearts, Open Hearts, and Trans-Parent Open Hearts.
Kin·dom Camp Winter Retreat
January 6-8, 2023, Kin·dom Camp Winter Retreat is a fully affirming opportunity for LBGTQIA+ Youth ages 12-17 to come experience a weekend at camp in the piney woods of East Texas!
Teen Open Hearts
At Teen Open Hearts we listen to, love, affirm and support one another because we believe that God loves every person just as they are. This gathering is open to all LGBTQ+ and ally high school-age teens. There is always a pastor or an LGBTQ+ affirming adult present. We are currently meeting the first Monday of the month at 7 pm in person and at 7pm on Zoom on the 3rd Monday. We also plan at least one in person event a month like movie nights, bowling, or dinners.
Open Hearts
The Open Hearts group is confidential gathering for LGBTQ+ folk and those who love them to connect with one another other. In this LGBTQ+ identity-affirming group, those who wish share stories; some just come to listen. We laugh often and sometimes we cry together. We share a desire to live faithfully and to love. We meet on the fourth Monday of every month in person at 7 pm at the church. A Zoom option is available for those who can’t be present in person. If you have questions about the meeting, feel free to contact us via the form below.
Trans-Parent Open Hearts
In July 2020, we began Trans-Parent Open Hearts, an additional group for those with a loved one who is transgender. We meet on the second Monday of every month at 7 pm at the church. A Zoom option is available for those who can’t be present in person. If you have questions about the meeting, feel free to contact us via the form below. For a fact sheet on gender affirming care and what parents should know in Texas, click here.
Learn More
Below are some helpful resources if you would like to learn more about LGBTQ+ issues or need support. If you are interested in joining Open Hearts, or would like to be contacted by Open Hearts Leadership, please let us know by submitting the form at the bottom of the page.
LGBTQ+ and the Bible
YouTube Video: About “When Christians Get It Wrong” // Adam Hamilton
Book: When Christians Get It Wrong by Adam Hamilton
Book: Making Sense of the Bible by Adam Hamilton
Website: The Brief Biblical Case for LGBTQ+ Inclusion by The Reformation Project
YouTube Video: God and the Gay Christian: A Biblical Case in Support // Matthew Vines
Book: God and the Gay Christian: A Biblical Case in Support by Matthew Vines
Book: Transforming: The Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians by Austen Hartke
Book: Torn: Rescuing the Gospel from the Gays-vs.-Christians Debate by Justin Lee
LGBTQ+ Experience
YouTube Video: First-Hand Accounts of “Ex-Gay” Experiences // Our America | OWN
Book: Undivided: Coming Out, Becoming Whole, and Living Free from Shame by Vicky Beeching
YouTube Video: ‘I knew I was gay when I was 13’ // Vicky Beeching
YouTube Video: Gender Revolution // Katie Couric
Article: The Downfall of the Ex-Gay Movement by Jonathan Merritt
Book: Transitions of the Heart: Stories of Love, Struggle and Acceptance by Mothers of Transgender and Gender Variant Children by Elisabeth Rodgers
YouTube Video: Meet the Transgender NCAA Swimmer from Harvard // Identify
Resources
Article: Stances of Faiths on LGBTQ Issues: Presbyterian Church (USA) by the Human Rights Campaign
Book: Changing Our Mind: Definitive 3rd Edition of the Landmark Call for Inclusion of LGBTQ Christians with Response to Critics by David Gushee
Book: Talking Across the Divide: How to Communicate with People You Disagree with and Maybe Even Change the World by Justin Lee
Book: Transgender 101: A Simple Guide to a Complex Issue by Nicholas Teich
Infographic: The Gender Unicorn by Trans Student Educational Resources
Infographic: Pronouns 101 by Trans Student Educational Resources
PDF: Ally’s Guide to Terminology by MAP
Organizations and Support
kin·dom community is a queer-led spiritual community. Inspired by the concept first named by theologian Ada Maria Isasi-Diaz, kin•dom is the full inclusion and relationship of all of God’s people.
Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and mental health organization for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning) young people.
The Gay and Lesbian National Hotline (GLNH)
GLNH provides nationwide toll-free peer counseling, information and referrals to the LGBTQ community. Peer counselors are available Monday–Friday, 4:00 p.m. to midnight, and Saturday, noon to 5:00 p.m. EST.
Trans Lifeline
US: 877-565-8860
Trans Lifeline’s Hotline is a peer support service run by trans people, for trans and questioning callers. Operators are located all over the U.S. and Canada, and are all trans-identified.
Get more information
For more information about any of our Open Hearts groups or to receive the Zoom Meeting ID, contact us below!