LGBTQ people of faith have continually been at the forefront of social change across the United States. Not only have they played an important role in fighting for LGBTQ equality, but they have also been essential in the push toward a variety of innovative, inclusive, and morally centered policy ideas. LGBTQ change-makers are motivated because—not in spite—of their identities. They have worked to ensure that the United States is living up to its values of freedom, equality, and justice for all individuals, no matter who they love or how they identify.

The Center for American Progress’ Faith and Progressive Policy Initiative identified just nine of the many extraordinary LGBTQ faith leaders from across the country who are leading movements for social change. In personal communications with the authors in August 2019, they discussed their faith and advocacy journeys. Through their work, these leaders have proposed powerful visions for the United States to reform its criminal justice system, advance climate justice, dismantle systemic racism, and more. Some have been fighting for justice for decades; others have found their calling more recently. Some are already well known, while others are making waves from behind the scenes. These leaders come from a wide variety of backgrounds, yet they all share the following: By faithfully leading at the intersection of their identities, they play a pivotal role in fostering bold, progressive policies to create a more just world. Their leadership in the current moment makes them critical faith leaders to watch in 2019 and beyond. Read morevia American Progress