Gay Catholic‘s Instagram Church Tour Offers Sanctuary Map for LGBTQ+ Faithful
NEW YORK, NY – A personal journey of faith and revelation has blossomed into a nationwide resource for LGBTQ+ Catholics seeking welcoming communities.Through his Instagram series,NYC Catholic Church Tours,creator [author’s name – not provided in text] is mapping a network of parishes actively embracing and supporting their LGBTQ+ members,offering a beacon of hope for those questioning their place within the Church.
The project began as a personal exploration. Having moved to New York City in Summer 2014 while still “very much in the closet,” the creator found himself drawn to the vibrant masses at the church of St. paul the Apostle on manhattan’s west side, particularly the Sunday evening young adult choir. Though initially too nervous to attend meetings of the parish’s LGBTQ+ ministry, Out at St. Paul (O.S.P.),the consistent post-Mass announcements piqued his curiosity and the group remained a source of quiet inspiration.
Years later, this initial connection evolved into a broader examination. The Instagram series highlights parishes across the country demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity, rooted in the jesuit principle of “being a person for others.”
The tour features Most Holy Redeemer in San Francisco, where simply “being there” for parishioners proved transformative. Nearby, St. Agnes in the Haight-Asbury neighborhood fosters an “all-inclusive spirit” with monthly gatherings for its LGBTQ+ community. On the West Coast, St. Monica’s Church in Santa Monica, a historic parish frequented by Hollywood stars, boasts a thriving G.L.O. (Gay & Lesbian outreach Ministry) established in 1992, drawing members from across los Angeles.
Returning to the East Coast, the creator emphasizes the significance of Out at St. Paul, noting the profound impact the community has had on friends and connections he’s made. He recalls being “awe-inspired at the Broadway-quality music” during Mass and the enduring impression left by the O.S.P. announcements. The parish’s performance of the hymn all Are Welcome encapsulates the series’ central message.
The NYC Catholic Church tours Instagram account aims to provide a vital resource for LGBTQ+ Catholics,particularly those questioning whether a welcoming space exists for them within the Church. The creator hopes his personal experiences, documented through the series, will empower others to find a spiritual home in their own communities.