In this event, Dr. Todd will present research about the process some Christian faith communities engage in to become and then live out being open and inclusive to the LGBTQIA+ community. There will be a broad discussion on historic context and research focused on the intersections of religious and LGBTQIA+ identities. He will discuss a movement within Protestant Christianity to create LGBTQIA+ open and inclusive faith communities. Dr. Todd will discuss his ongoing project “Becoming and Being Open and Inclusive Faith Communities” where he has interviewed over 70 people across the U.S. from different Protestant Christian faith traditions. Dr. Todd will highlight general principles of inclusion that apply to faith communities, interpersonal relationships, the college campus, and beyond.

Co-Sponsored by UIS Office of Engaged Learning, UIS Gender & Sexuality Student Services, Open & Affirming United, and the Coalition of Rainbow Alliances.

Dr. Nathan Todd is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In his research he focuses on religious spaces such as congregations to understand how they may provide places of belonging, connection, and avenues to engage in social justice. He also does research on LGBTQIA+ health equity and LGBTQIA+ religion and spirituality. Dr. Todd’s study of LGBTQIA+ open and inclusive congregations is funded by the Louisville Institute; and he has shared his work through academic publications and presentations. Overall, he hopes that his work brings visibility and promotes constructive dialogue around issues of LGBTQIA+ inclusion in religious spaces and beyond.