Cincinnati’s LGBTQ+ Friendly Faith Organizations

Faith and identity are deeply personal journeys, and for many in the LGBTQ+ community, reconciling the two can feel pretty difficult. For decades, society has often excluded queer people from religious spaces, leaving people to wonder if a place of acceptance and belonging could ever exist within their spiritual practices. But that narrative is changing.

Across the world, and here in Cincinnati, LGBTQ+ friendly faith organizations are creating spaces where people can celebrate their identities and spiritual beliefs together. These spaces are not only vital for fostering inclusivity, but also for reminding us that love, in all its forms, is a cornerstone of many faith traditions.

In this blog post, we'll highlight some incredible organizations making a difference and offer resources for those seeking a welcoming spiritual home. Whether you're looking for a new place to worship, searching for support, or simply curious about how faith and queerness intersect, this guide is here to uplift and inspire.

Pilgrim United Church of Christ: United in Spirit and inspired by God’s grace, we WELCOME all, LOVE all, and seek JUSTICE for all.

Buddhist Dharma Center on Cincinnati: Openness and inclusivity are at the heart of Dharma teachings and practice; the center is committed to kindness and respect for others, regardless of race, religion, cultural expressions, gender, gender identity, age or abilities. All are welcome!

Truth & Destiny Covenant Ministries Fellowship UCC: Boldly Proclaim God's Love for ALL People! To be a fellowship of believers in Jesus Christ who have been radically changed and reconciled through the power of Holy Spirit and who demonstrate God’s unconditional Love to all humanity by utilizing our spiritual gifts in service to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Christ Church Cathedral: Our vision is to empower people of peace to reconcile, liberate, heal, and serve the world by living out the way of love.

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church: It doesn't matter where you come from, what you've been through or what baggage you may be carrying, you are welcome here. And you are welcome just as you are. If you come to us as a visitor, we hope you'll leave as a friend.

St. John United Church of Christ: An Inclusive Community for All. No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey you are welcome here!

First Lutheran Church: First Lutheran Church is an inclusive and reconciling faith community where we follow Christ's example and welcome all into our community regardless of gender, ability, race, age, culture, ethnic background, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

The Open Table Church: A progressive community where all are welcomed and celebrated. Whether you are doubting, discovering, questioning, deconstructing, LGBTQ or just don't feel like you fit the places you've tried before, this is a safe space.

Immanuel United Church of Christ: We are deeply honored to collaborate with and support our esteemed mission partners. At Immanuel UCC, we are committed to making a meaningful impact in our community and beyond, and we recognize the invaluable contributions of our partners in helping us achieve this goal.

Clifton United Methodist: Truly all are welcome in this community of faith. Having been a welcoming and safe harbor for LGBTQ+ people of faith for many years, we formally became a Reconciling Congregation in 1998.

Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church: At MAPC, you can worship God, ask questions, and be yourself without fear. We hold different opinions as a diverse church but commit to respecting one another and valuing those differences. We encourage you to explore faith, put your distinct gifts to use, and join us in creating a more welcoming and just society.

St. John’s Unitarian Universalist Church: We are brave, curious, and compassionate thinkers and doers. We are diverse in faith, ethnicity, history and spirituality, but aligned in our desire to make a difference for the good. We have a track record of standing on the side of love, justice, and peace.

First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati: We are a liberal religious haven, sustained by tradition, boldly seeking justice and gently transforming lives through deeds great and small.

St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church: The church should be a safe place for all voices, especially those that have been traditionally silenced, not just because it is the respectful and loving thing to do, but because we need each voice. We want to hear every voice, not just because everyone has a right to be heard, but because every voice potentially opens our ears to the ways we are deaf to the needs of others and to a deeper commitment to God’s mission. The mission of the Church is diminished when we remain silent and when we do anything to silence others.

Ascension & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church: scension & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church takes loving God and loving our neighbor seriously. We believe God loves all, including our LGBTQ+ family. We are part of God’s Beloved Community and are doing our own work to put an end to systemic racism. We know that many suffer from addiction and that recovery occurs through belief in a power greater than ourselves and through helping one another. 

Trinity Episcopal Church: Trinity Episcopal Church in downtown Covington, Kentucky serves a diverse community. We are committed to the celebration and worship of Jesus Christ in a parish nurtured by education and fellowship. As Christ's servants, we strive to share God's love in the greater community.

Episcopal Church of the Redeemer: United in relationships of holy connection and communion. Growing with people of every age, race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic situation and political persuasion. Inspired by our understanding of why we are Christian, why we are Episcopalian, why Redeemer matters to us; sent into the world, rooted and grounded in love, to serve all people with humility, compassion and faithfulness.

Elech: Elech will build an urban and adjacent, independent, Queer-specific space for spirituality, vulnerability and identity exploration supporting Queer Jews and their families. The goal is to nurture a sense of belonging and deepen connections to Jewishness, Jewish identity or Queer Jewish identity.

Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church: We welcome and affirm persons of any age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ethnic or cultural background, faith tradition, physical and mental ability, economic condition, marital status, family configuration or place on the spectrum of conservative, centrist or progressive.