LGBTQ+ Charity Concludes Operations After Eight Years of Advocacy

After eight years dedicatedly championing LGBTQ+ rights, The Ozanne Foundation, led by Jayne Ozanne—a well-known gay evangelical Christian and survivor herself from conversion therapy—has announced it will be closing its doors. This organization, famous within religious circles and beyond, has been at every frontline battle against discrimination. They'll officially cease activities on September 30, 2025. Founded on December 28, 2017, The Ozanne Foundation had a straightforward mission: team up with religious communities worldwide and get rid once and forever discrimination based on who you love or how you identify. Their dream? A planet where diversity isn't just accepted but celebrated. When they became a registered charity in 2018, it felt like a giant leap toward that dream.

Encounter, educate, and empower: A strategy that worked

The Foundation built its efforts around three main ideas: encounter, educate, and empower. These pillars were all about sparking real conversations between LGBTQ+ folks and those holding traditional views—breaking down walls and building up understanding. Education was another big piece. The Foundation worked hard dispelling tired myths about LGBTQ+ lives. They brought facts about sexuality and gender, and highlighted how harmful discrimination can be on mental health. Their goal? To nurture informed, compassionate views. And then there was empowerment. They focused on giving people tools and confidence needed make some noise in their communities, championing change. This meant helping voices that had been hushed speak up, calling out loudly, not just whispering, that equality and justice are essential.

The closure and what's ahead

So, what happens when September 30, 2025, rolls around? The Foundation took it online, sharing its farewell and how its assets would be distributed. Jayne Ozanne, who's stepping up as vice-president over at Guernsey's Committee on Employment & Social Security, has a new chapter waiting. Looking back, Jayne Ozanne couldn't hide her pride in what they've done—especially in spotlighting how harmful conversion therapy can be when wrapped in religion. She pointed out a partnership with Oxford University that created a global program educating senior religious leaders. It's a legacy that keeps their mission alive and kicking.

A legacy within faith and LGBTQ+ equality

Ozanne believes LGBTQ+ equality has rightly become a major talking point in many faiths, stirring critical conversations that involve numerous people worldwide. She even raised a thought-provoking question: Could declining interest in organized religion be due, in part, because some faiths have lagged in embracing LGBTQ+ people? After all, love should never mean exclusion. Rosie Harper, serving as chairwoman, commended Jayne Ozanne's untiring spirit in fighting within faith arenas. She championed Ozanne's unwavering bravery in advocating LGBTQ+ rights and celebrated her as an inspiring figure—a proud gay Christian who never hesitated challenging those denying dignity. As The Ozanne Foundation closes this chapter, it leaves behind a powerful influence over faith and sexuality dialogues. Their pioneering efforts will still motivate progress toward greater inclusivity and acceptance. Feel free share your thoughts on this significant development and what it means in religious LGBTQ+ advocacy. Let your voice be heard below, and let's keep this conversation as open and respectful as it deserves.