17/05/2026
MCC Council of Elders - Statement for
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On 17 May each year, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia focuses on breaking down barriers and supporting LGBTQIA+ communities. This particular day commemorates the World Health Organization's decision on 17 May 1990, to remove homos*xuality from the International Classification of Diseases and this has been celebrated annually since 2005. The 2026 theme is "At the heart of democracy," focusing on equity, justice, and combating anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation globally. This is so important right now, given that democracies are being threatened around the world.
Those of us who are Gay, Le***an, Bis*xual, Trans, Inters*x (or one of many other identities) makes us who we are, unique and different; (yes) in the image of God. And yet, this can also be overwhelming, given the political, religious, and familial animus that we often face. Sadly, this is nothing new to MCC, made clear by its very founding in 1968.
The Rev. Elder Troy Perry, Founder of Global Metropolitan Community Churches, wrote the following:
“We need to know that our government, the government of our birth in most cases, cares about us! I remember how difficult growing up as a gay youth was, and I don't want young men and young women who follow me to have to put up with the anxiety and misery that millions of us have already endured. There has been enough suffering! Those of us here are proud to represent the gay community because we know that we are whole persons, know we're not sinners, know we're not perverted, know we're not monsters, know we're not mentally ill! You may continue to believe what you want. Maybe I can't change that. But to be given our fair and Constitutional rights - that's what we are asking for! 1990 Don't Be Afraid Anymore: The Story of Reverend Troy D. Perry and the Metropolitan Community Churches.
The Book of Job 13:15 said, "Though God slay me, yet I'll trust God." As Rev. Elder Perry said, “Those were my feelings. God said he loved me, so God has to love all of you too.”
MCC celebrates on 17 May as globally diverse peoples. Yet, we are also reminded that Brunei, Iran, Mauritania, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Qatar, Somalia, and the United Arab Emirates still carry the death penalty for consensual same s*x acts. Iran is the number 2 ex*****on State in the world for the ex*****ons of people, including gay people, second only to China. In most of Northern Africa, Russia, places like Venezuela, Peru, Paraguay, Ukraine, and Turkey same s*x marriage remains banned. There is much work to do…still.
IDAHOBIT is a shared moment for communities and allies to foster change in ways that reflect local communities and traditions. Whether planting a community mural in Buenos Aires, hosting a virtual town‑hall in Nairobi, or organising a legislative lobby day in Washington DC, every initiative — no matter how big or small -- helps raise awareness, cultivate compassion, and holds the potential to move us toward ending discrimination against LGBTIQ+ people. So, we invite you to do something on this day (and beyond) to encourage change---through sharing God’s unconditional love for us all.
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Please join the Council of Elders as we pray…
Holy One of boundless love,
We ask that you hold Your LGBTQIA+ children in safety and dignity today and always. Dispel every shadow of hatred, fear, and violence. Strengthen us to resist injustice, to heal what has been wounded, and to proclaim with courage that every body, every identity, every love is Your beloved creation. Amen.
May it be so. Amen.
