Glendale UMC Featured in Nashville Trans Community Photo Project

Nashville Businesses Who Stand with the Trans Community Photo Project emdashphotos at Glendale United Methodist Church Stephanie Dodge and Steven Adair

 

We are featured in the “Nashville Businesses Who Stand with the Trans Community” Photo Project by Emily April Allen – find it here.

We join in love + solidarity with our trans siblings when they continue to be the targets of hateful + exclusive legislation in the State of Tennessee year after year. We continue the work to make tomorrow better for all people – no matter who one loves or how one identifies.

Original Instagram Post from Project with Q+A:

“Nashville Businesses Who Stand with the Trans Community” Photo Project featuring: Glendale United Methodist Church – Nashville, @glendaleumc

The mission of this project is to give Nashville businesses an opportunity to visibly show support for the trans community amidst a time of harmful anti-trans legislation. One of the bills recently signed into law is an anti-trans bathroom bill that specifically targets businesses. (Although – via the @aclu_tennessee – A federal court has blocked this law from going into effect while their lawsuit moves forward.)

The businesses and organizations featured here stand with the trans community during this alarming legislative time. Read on to learn more.

Featuring Rev. Steph Dodge, Lead Pastor (she/her/hers), and Steven Adair, Worship + Communications (he/him/his)

Their message board reads: “Transgender lives are loved and celebrated here.  #GodIslove.”

Their shirts read: “I’m sorry if the Church hurt & failed you.”

Why are you participating in this project / why are trans rights important to you?

“Most Christian churches are not safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community to live out their full, authentic selves. We have become a church where all people – no matter who one loves or how one identifies – can find a safe community to bring their beliefs, doubts and questions to start, restart or deepen their faith in God just as they are. We are a Reconciling Congregation in The United Methodist Church which means that we have committed to cultivate inclusive love and intentional hospitality with all people, and fully welcome and affirm persons of every race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, faith story, education, physical or mental ability, economic status, or political perspective.  #TransRightsAreHumanRights #GodIsLove

 

What practices does your business have in place to make your space more inclusive to trans folks?

“Our church is a safe space for our trans siblings. We have all gender restrooms throughout our building, we support the work of The Oasis Center and LaunchPad, among other life-changing and life-saving organizations, utilize our outdoor marquee sign to regularly share messages of God’s inclusive and affirming love for all people and will have a booth this year at the inaugural Franklin Pride, Boro Pride and Nashville Pride. Our church’s leadership team includes members from the LGBTQ+ community and we are always looking for new ways to be involved in the work of inclusion in the Greater Nashville Area.”

 

Anything else you’d like us to know?

“If you are looking for an inclusive church to explore your faith, come and worship with us – Sundays at 10am central time. You can also check us out online before coming in person at GlendaleUMC.org/Live. A reminder that God loves you – just as you are.

Our welcome message that is shared during every worship service and event // We at Glendale UMC want you to know that no matter: Where you’ve come from or where you are going; what you believe or what you may doubt; what you are feeling or just not feeling; what you have or don’t have; and no matter the color of your skin, who you love or how you identify – all of who you are is welcomed into this community of faith by a God who loves all of who you are and knows you by name.”

Nashville Businesses Who Stand with the Trans Community Photo Project emdashphotos at Glendale United Methodist Church Stephanie Dodge and Steven Adair 2

 

Click here to learn more about Glendale + what we believe.

Add a Comment