St. Francis in the Foothills United Methodist Church (UMC) in Tucson invites you to two events for the LGBTQIA+ community. Dare to Care will take place at St. Francis UMC on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at 4625 E River Rd (corner of River and Swan).
The first event is from 10:00 am to 11:30 am. UMC pastor J.J. Warren returns to Tucson! Youth event (LGBTQIA+ teens & young adults, families, allies) Gay author/UMC pastor/activist J.J. Warren will speak, followed by an open time to hear from the youth. It is an event for sharing stories, listening, and showing support. We will give them the opportunity to tell us what safe spaces look and feel like, what makes them feel valued, what they think is going right, what still needs to change, etc. Allies, adults, and congregation members are invited to attend.
Then from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm, there will be a Community Leader event. A gathering of adult leaders from the community: nurses, physicians, pediatricians, educators, mental health professionals, multi-faith clergy, lawyers, politicians, researchers, and gay rights activists. This is a panel discussion of 5 to 6 community leaders to talk about what they have seen, share stories of the realities of moral injury for gay teens, and discuss what the challenges are for LGBTQIA+ kids and care providers in Tucson and Arizona. Attendees will be invited to join the Dare to Care Tucson Community Coalition, a coalition to stand in solidarity with LGBTQIA+ teens, young adults, and their families – committing to safe and supportive emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual care despite future anti-gay legislation passed within Arizona. Parents, allies, and congregation members are also invited to attend. Please use the registration button below to register.
Arizona has one of the highest amounts of anti-LGBTQIA+ bills in the 2022 legislative session, and many of these bills will impact professionals’ ability to provide care for youth as well as impact Arizona youth and their families. It is time to make something happen. Join us and help lead the way to show the rest of the United States what it looks like to love and support all people.
Rev. Meredith Joubert, Director of Family and Community Engagement, is chairing these two events for St. Francis UMC. Please contact her for further information.