Local Organizations
Are you looking for West Michigan organizations that affirm the message of the “Gay Christian? Yes!” Campaign? Or are you looking for places to explore your questions? We recommend the following organizations. Although not all are explicitly faith-based, they all have members who are Christians. You will find safe places to grow and learn!
ACT: Allies Coming Together
Mission Statement: Straight allies of the LGBT community coming together to support each other and our LGBT loved ones, to educate ourselves and our community, and to advocate for a more inclusive world.
Meeting times: For meeting times contact the LGBT Network:
LGBT Network of West Michigan
343 Atlas SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Phone: 616-458-3511
Or email the group leaders for information at pettydus@gmail.com
Bridge Evidence Group
Bridge Evidence Group exists to create opportunities to evidence a bridge between the broader LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) and Christian communities. The organization offers mentoring and consulting services to both communities. They work and walk with individuals and organizations as they sort through difficult concepts and realities, empowering individuals in their relationships and organizations in their influence.
Bridge Evidence Group
PO Box 888160
Grand Rapids, MI 48588
www.bridgeevidencegroup.org
Greg Gough, Director
greg@bridgeevidencegroup.org
616-446-0690
Diane Hartig, Assistant Director
diane@bridgeevidencegroup.org
616-443-0617
Gays In Faith Together (GIFT)
The mission of GIFT is to work toward the affirmation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in the faith communities of West Michigan. GIFT provides:
- Pastoral care and counseling for LGBT individuals, couples, and their families
- Support, education, and life enrichment groups: GRITS for all ages and Refuge for students and young adults (ages 14-19)
- Community education through speakers and online resources
- Referrals to LGBT-friendly churches and counselors
- Advocacy through the leadership of the “Gay Christian? Yes!” Campaign
GIFT
207 East Fulton Street
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
www.GaysInFaithTogether.org
Rev. Jim Lucas, Chaplain
JimLucas@GaysInFaithTogether.org
Office phone: 616-774-0446
LGBT Affirming Support Groups (in Jenison)
Two LGBT affirming support groups—one for LGBT teens and young adults and the
other for LGBT individuals, partners, and families of all ages—are being hosted by
Georgetown United Methodist Church in Jenison.
Email: affirmingwmlgbt@gmail.com
Phone: 616.669.0730
Facebook page “Affirming West Michigan”
PFLAG Holland/Lakeshore
The Holland/Lakeshore chapter of Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons, their families and friends.
PFLAG provides opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation, and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity.
All members of the family are welcome at their monthly meetings. From grandparents to little brothers to spouses, you’ll always find someone to talk to for support.
PFLAG Holland/Lakeshore
P.O. Box 1246
Holland, MI 49422-1246
Phone: (616) 494-0765 & (616) 399-2161
pflaghols@juno.com
www.pflaglakeshore.org
Transgender Education Collaboration
We are a collaborative seeking to educate communities concerning transgender and gender variant issues.
By collaborating together various LGBT and educational related groups, it is our hope that people and communities will begin to better understand transgender and gender variant issues. We believe in education as a tool for advocacy!
We are currently focused in West Michigan, but are seeking to build into an even larger presence.
Mission: The Transgender Education Collaboration exists to better connect, collaborate, educate and share the resources and events available on transgender and gender variant issues.
transgendercollab@gmail.com
www.trans-edu.com






