HRP Queer

Purpose of this Group:

We have formed to add to the safe places in our presbytery where youth, families, adults and allies can discuss the intersections of gender identity, faith traditions and spirituality in our congregations and communities.

Who are we?

We are a gathering group from Hudson River Presbytery committed to creating paths for the full welcome in the work and worship of our congregations of Queer/LGBTQIA+* members, families, siblings and friends.

*Photos below are from the HRPQueer sponsored a table at Prideworks at Pace University on March 15, 2023.

Why we say Queer  

From Planned Parenthood: Queer is a word that describes sexual and gender identities other than straight and cisgender. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people may all identify with the word queer. Queer is sometimes used to express that sexuality and gender can be complicated, change over time, and might not fit neatly into either/or identities, like male or female, gay or straight.  

The word “queer” has history to it that’s hurtful — “queer” used to be (and sometimes still is) used to put down or disrespect LGBT people. But more and more, people use the word with pride to identify themselves. So don’t call someone “queer” unless you know they’re cool with it. The best thing to do is ask what labels people prefer.

More Information:

Emails:

• Susan DeGeorge at susandegeorge@hudrivpres.org

• Connie Knapp at connie.knapp@icloud.com

• Kathy Dean at kathydean64@gmail.com

• Ray Bagnuolo at Raybagnuolo@gmail.com

*LGBTQIA+ is a description that reflects our community of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual and all people in the ways they may identify themselves. You are welcome here.

A Statement of Affirmation and Solidarity from the Hudson River Presbytery

In support of our transgender and non-binary siblings:

We, the Hudson River Presbytery, grounded in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and committed to justice, compassion, and the full dignity of all people, publicly affirm our unwavering support for our transgender, non-binary, and gender-expansive siblings in Christ.

We recognize that the Transgender Community—especially transgender youth—faces escalating levels of violence, discrimination, and legislative harm across this country. As a body of faith rooted in love and in the call to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God, we cannot remain silent.

We proclaim this truth:

·      Every person is created in the image of God.

·      Every body is holy.

·      Every gender identity is worthy of dignity, safety, and belonging.

Further, we affirm the gifts, leadership, and sacred worth of transgender people within our churches, our leadership, our communities, and our world. We confess the ways in which the Church has too often failed to live into this Gospel truth, and we commit ourselves to deeper listening, advocacy, and solidarity.

We call upon all people of faith to:

• Speak up against transphobia in all its forms.

• Create spaces of genuine welcome and affirmation.

• Support policies that protect transgender individuals’ rights and safety.

• Amplify and learn from the voices of trans people of faith.

As followers of Jesus, who consistently stood with those on the margins and broke down walls of exclusion, we commit ourselves anew to the work of justice and peace. May our witness be bold, our compassion deep, and our solidarity steadfast.

Approved by the Hudson River Presbytery, September 23, 2025

Let it be so and let it begin with us.

 __________ 

Affirmed by following sessions of the Hudson River Presbytery

Beacon, Marlboro, Dobbs Ferry, Highland, Palisades, Pleasantville, Katonah, Union Newburgh, Yorktown. 

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