“Treat others as we ourselves would want to be treated”The Golden Rule

  1. Human dignity is paramount.
  2. 2SLGBTQI-inclusive education is about safeguarding human dignity and the respect for all human beings, not about countering religious values as wrong.
  3. Religions are based on compassion, acceptance, peace, and love. Their traditions carry a duty to all those who are marginalized.
  4. Major religions share the belief that we should treat others as we would want to be treated (The Golden Rule).
  5. Homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia foster, condone, and willfully ignore violence and hate. Major religions condemn violence and hate.
  6. 2SLGBTQI-inclusive education is NOT sex education. It IS about addressing 2SLGBTQI realities and issues in age-appropriate and meaningful ways.
  7. Religion fosters community. All human beings deserve to be treated as valuable contributing members of their communities.
  8. Support groups, such as Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) that gather in schools serve as safe places of refuge that allow students to meet and discuss issues relevant to their lives and circumstances.
  9. Homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia hurt all of us. Anyone who is perceived to be 2SLGBTQI can be subjected to harassment and victimization.
  10. Silence about 2SLGBTQI issues, coupled with homophobic, biphobic, and transphobic harassment, negatively impacts mental health and puts 2SLGBTQI youth at higher risk for depression and suicidality. Faithful people stand in solidarity to protect the sacredness of life.