Faith and Interfaith Programming Integral to Creating Change Conference

The 38th annual Creating Change conference hosted by the National LGBTQ Task Force is underway in Washington, D.C. This year’s conference, like those before it, emphasizes the significance of faith and interfaith programming in its mission and activities.

While some might find the inclusion of religious discussions at an LGBTQ+ event surprising, the conference organizers are clear about the complexities involved. Tahil Sharma, the Faith Work Director for the National LGBTQ Task Force, acknowledges the historical harm inflicted by religious institutions but emphasizes the importance of addressing these issues head-on. "Faith work is not an easy pill to swallow in LGBTQ spaces," Sharma states, "and we acknowledge the pain, trauma, and violence committed in the name of religion."

Many sessions at the conference are dedicated to discussing religious harm and how to heal from it. One notable panel, "Defending Democracy Through Religious Activism," features experts such as Ebony C. Peace, Rob Keithan, and Eric Eldritch, who share strategies for effective faith and multi-faith organizing. This aligns with the broader focus on resisting religious nationalism.

Another session offers a healing space for survivors of religious violence, led by Rev. Alba Onofrio and Teo Drake. This session is designed to foster healing and support among attendees.

Sharma and other organizers advocate for an approach to LGBTQ+ liberation that employs interfaith literacy as a tool rather than a weapon. They argue that a state of antipathy towards religious groups, especially those aligned with queer liberation, is counterproductive and overlooks the rich history of queer religious activism. "We’re making a call for an approach to LGBTQ+ liberation that uses interfaith literacy as a tool," Sharma explains.

Honoring Local Queer Faith Icons

This year, the conference honors Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt with a faith award. Dr. Betancourt, a leader in the Unitarian Universalist community, is recognized for her work as a public minister, scholar, and theologian. Her activism is deeply informed by her identity as a queer, multiracial AfroLatine daughter of immigrants, advocating for anti-racist and pluralistic faith initiatives.

Creating Gathering Spaces

Creating Change includes spaces like the Many Paths Gathering Space, where attendees can engage in spiritual practices, speak with a Spiritual Care Team member, or simply take a break from the conference activities. "We want to create a space for folks to engage in curiosity, spiritual fulfillment, and grounding," Sharma notes.

The conference showcases queer religious heritage, featuring an ofrenda to honor those who have passed and exhibitions like Salgu Wissmath’s "Divine Identity." Additionally, the Shower of Stoles collection, which began in 1995, is displayed to highlight the stories of LGBTQ+ faith leaders. "Each stole represents the story of a queer person active in their faith community," explains Sharma.

Explicit Interfaith Work

Creating Change also includes explicit faith services, such as Buddhist Meditations, Catholic Mass, Shabbat services, and Jummah Prayers, alongside queer religious affirmations like a Name/Gender/Pronoun/Identity Blessing Ritual. Sharma notes, "We’re building on interfaith work by introducing ceremonies like the Interfaith Empowerment Service."

Rev. Eric Eldritch, an ordained Pagan clergy person, contributes to these efforts by organizing events like "Sing In the Revolution," inviting attendees to embrace the joy and rhythm of activism.

"This year’s goal is to move from questioning why faith matters in queer liberation to understanding how interfaith work is a tool for mutual abundance and liberation," Sharma elaborates.

Faith work has been part of the National LGBTQ+ Task Force since the 1980s, credited to leaders like Urvashi Vaid, who understood the intersection of faith and social justice. This year’s faith programming continues this legacy, opening doors for both attendees and the broader community to explore faith-based work as a means of empowerment in queer liberation.