LGBTQ+ Christians are finding a way back to church after feeling pushed out
LGBTQ+ Christians in Southend-on-Sea, England, are finding community through Pride in Faith, including people considering a return to church.
For LGBTQ+ people who still have faith but no longer feel comfortable walking through a church door, a community in Southend-on-Sea in Essex, England, is offering another way back.
Pride in Faith is a local group for LGBT+ Christians, while also welcoming people who are curious about Christianity or considering returning to church after spending time away. People from different Christian denominations are welcome.
Rather than asking people to separate their LGBTQ+ identity from their religion, the group creates space for conversations about where faith, identity and everyday life meet.
One of its most interesting upcoming gatherings takes place on 18 November, with the theme Trans Icons and Their Faith Stories.
LGBTQ+ identity and Christianity in the same room
Pride in Faith meets on the third Wednesday of each month in Southend-on-Sea, around 40 miles east of central London.
Each gathering explores a different subject. September’s meeting looked at faith, identity and community, while October will focus on grief, faith and prayer. November then turns specifically to trans people and their experiences of faith, followed by a Christmas gathering in December.
There is even a film night planned for January featuring The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
What makes the group particularly interesting is that someone does not have to already consider themselves a committed churchgoer to attend.
Pride in Faith welcomes LGBT+ Christians alongside people who simply want to learn more about Christianity and those thinking about returning to church. That potentially gives people who have become disconnected from organised religion somewhere to explore faith without immediately committing themselves to joining a congregation.
A different route back into Christianity
The group is part of a wider picture of LGBTQ+ inclusive Christian activity in Southend-on-Sea.
Earlier in 2026, Southend Inclusive Churches held a Rainbow Service at City Baptist Church. The event welcomed established churchgoers but also specifically invited people attending church for the first time or returning after a long absence.
Pride in Faith takes that idea further by providing something that continues throughout the year rather than relying on a single Pride service.
For LGBTQ+ people who thought stepping away from church might also mean leaving their faith behind, groups like this are creating another possibility: a place where neither part of their identity has to be left outside the door.
Follow SouthendPride on Instagram for more details
