Your story has power

Achieving human rights for 2SLGBTQ+ people has always relied on brave individuals telling personal stories of pain and struggle, but also of hope, love, beauty, and strength.

In 1978, at a Gay Freedom Day celebration, Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California and advocate for 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion, said: 

Gay brothers and sisters, you must come out. Come out to your parents. […] Come out to your relatives. Come out to your friends, if indeed they are your friends. Come out to your neighbours, to your fellow workers, to the people who work where you eat and shop. Come out only to the people you know, and who know you, not to anyone else. But once and for all, break down the myths. Destroy the lies and distortions. For your sake. For their sake.

Many places in the world have secured human rights for 2SLGBTQ+ people largely because they heeded the words of Harvey Milk. Countless stories have demonstrated that if we tell stories that are rooted in our authentic selves, we can change the hearts and minds of our families, friends, co-workers, and community members.

To continue the hard but important work of securing safety and well-being for all 2SLGBTQ+ people, RFF once again heeds the words of Harvey Milk and encourages people, if it is safe to do so, to share their stories. 

RFF believes that if we share stories of experiences of people of faith who have experience both the hurt of religious-based discrimination, but also the hope and healing that faith can offer, can the world become a safer place for all 2SLGBTQ+ people. 

Your story matters

This is an opportunity for you to share YOUR story in your OWN words – not other people’s story, but YOUR story of hurt, hope, and healing!

  • Anonymity: Your submission can be anonymous, if you wish.

  • Length:  There is no required length or limit to your story — it can be as short or long as you want it to be.

  • Language: We invite you to write your story in the language of your heart and if that language is not English, we may have your story translated. If we do, both versions of your story will appear on the site, the original story and the translation. If you prefer to translate the story yourself, that would be wonderful (but it is not required).

  • Dedication: You may choose to dedicate your story to someone who has inspired you or touched your life, but this is not a requirement.