WALKING BETWEEN WORLDS

Working Effectively with LGBT People from Faith Backgrounds

Walking Between Worlds really brought home to me the intensity of the issues that GLBTI people from a faith background face- this was not new info to me, but when all put together like this it becomes overwhelming- it is a miracle that any of us are alive and sane. The sense of hurt from people who had felt rejected by the church and alienated from their faith was very evident and moving. - Rev Bev Fabb
Walking Between Worlds gave me important new understandings of the immense emotional battle it is to have same sex attraction and live in a world which doesn't understand and the added complexity of being a person of faith. Enlightening and important thinking to be able to move forward in working towards healing and reconciliation. Robert (Chaplain)
I found Walking Between Worlds to be an incredibly impacting seminar. Not only did I walk away with much for me personally it helped me to see how timely it is for the Church and the LGBTI community. Too often, in the Church, we talk about LGBTI people but rarely with them. True understanding will only come with engagement. The seminar showed me this is possible even in one day. - Jason (Youth Pastor)
Walking Between Worlds provided a safe space to explore, challenge and address the relationship between faith and sexuality. Anthony's seminar helps to creates an important bridge between the debate and the individual by using personal narrative and contemporary resources. Anthony was a great presenter - well informed and willing to work through the tough questions. - Sarah (Salvation Army counsellor and trainer)

Background

LGBT people of faith and religion exist in/or have experienced two worlds; often intensely opposed to each other. They experience the usual issues of resolving their sexuality, coming out, finding their place in the community and learning what it means to live authentically in a predominately straight world. However, they often experience these with greater intensity and have additional issues to deal with.

What are the impacts of faith/sexuality conflict?

  • Intense cognitive dissonance because the acceptance or rejection of their sexuality has eternal consequences.
  • Suicidality. Research shows this group have either thoughts of, or attempts to suicide more often than those from non- faith backgrounds.
  • Mental health issues. The dissonance created by the perceived conflict of faith and sexuality causes anxiety, stress and depression.
  • Self destructive behaviours. When people leave religious backgrounds, they are often left with strong feelings of failure and shame.
  • Obsessive behaviours and addictions. Unhealthy behaviours develop when people suppress or deny their sexual orientation.
  • Trauma and grief. Extricating oneself from the religion can be traumatic and the loss of family, friends and faith devastating.
  • Internalised homophobia. Even after coming out, years of negative conditioning and self-hatred continue to have impact.
  • Loss of purpose and self esteem.  The new gay identity, initially, may not be as profound as the previous Christian identity.
  • Inability to connect.  Leaving the church means entire social network is lost and the new LGBT world difficult to negotiate.
  • Higher risk of HIV & STI infection. People from church backgrounds rarely have access to safe-sex education.
  • Discrimination. LGBT people of faith experience discrimination not only from their churches but also within the LGBT community.

Why special training?

Understanding the LGBT faith person’s background, worldview, beliefs systems as well as the unique personal and mental health issues they face enables community workers and service providers to work more effectively with their clients.

Who should attend?

  • LGBT community workers
  • Social workers
  • Mental health professionals
  • School counsellors
  • Chaplains
  • Telephone counsellors
  • LGBT liaison officers
  • Church workers
  • Health care workers
  • Youth workers

Learning outcomes.

This practical training program provides an in-depth look into the world of LGBT people of faith by understanding their contexts, identifying their issues and giving you tools that will assist them on their journey.

  • The complexities, various layers and how to separate issues of faith and sexuality
  • Identify specific issues faced by LGBT people of faith and how to resolve them
  • Why people LGBT people of faith and religion are an emerging group
  • How to create non-judgmental, safe spaces for LGBT people of faith
  • Strategies and models to work with an unresolved belief system
  • Understand ‘ex-gay’ ministries philosophies and practices
  • The do’s and don’ts working with LGBT people of faith
  • What additional support mechanisms are available
  • Approaching safe sex issues