LGBTQIA+ Support

At Peace Presbyterian Church, we’re a community made up of people from all walks of life: diverse races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, economic backgrounds, and abilities. Everyone is genuinely welcome to fully participate in the life and ministries of this congregation.

We’re also proud to be a part of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, which means our commitment to welcome goes beyond just words. At Manatee Pride, for example, we created a cloth for our Lord’s Table adorned with the handprints and artwork of Pride attendees. It’s a real, tangible sign of how deeply we’re committed to fully including all of God’s people in our shared life.

We affirm LGBTQIA+ youth and candidates for ministry, and we’re always looking for new ways to share God’s expansive love. If you have ideas, we’d love to hear them!

Denominational Resources

For a bit of history on LGBTQIA+ rights in the PC(USA), you can also check out the Presbyterian Mission Agency’s page on ministry with LGBTQIA+ people. We stand with the broader church in recognizing that LGBTQIA+ folks have faithfully and lovingly served in every kind of ministry, even when the road wasn’t easy.

A semi-circular wooden table with a colorful hand-painted cloth runner featuring handprints, hearts, rainbows, and words like 'love,' 'peace,' and 'kind.' There are two ceramic vessels and a plate on the runner. In the background, gray chairs are arranged in rows.

A cloth for our Lord’s Table created at Manatee Pride with the handprints and artwork of Pride attendees

Additional Resources

Sarasota & Manatee LGBTQ+ Support

  • Project Pride SRQ – A community organization in Sarasota that celebrates diversity through events, outreach, and advocacy. It offers connection, visibility, and support for LGBTQ+ people and allies throughout the region.

  • PFLAG Sarasota – A local chapter of the national organization offering support, education, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them. Meetings and resources are available for families, friends, and allies.

  • ALSO Youth – A long-standing Florida organization serving LGBTQ+ youth (ages 10–24) with peer support groups, counseling resources, scholarships, and community-building events in Sarasota & Manatee counties.

  • Social & Community Events (SarasotaOUT.com) – A community calendar and resource hub listing local LGBTQ-friendly activities, gatherings, and social groups in the Sarasota area.

  • Fabulous Arts Foundation – A local nonprofit that supports queer art and advocacy, including arts events that uplift LGBTQ+ voices and culture.

  • Rainbow Connections (Senior LGBTQ+ Social) – Hosted at Senior Friendship Centers, this monthly social mixer invites LGBTQ+ older adults to connect, engage, and enjoy fellowship.

Regional & National Support

  • Samaritan Counseling Services of the Gulf Coast – A fully accredited counseling center with locations throughout Sarasota & Manatee counties welcoming and affirming clients of all gender identities and sexual orientations.

  • National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988) – Free, confidential support available 24/7 in the U.S. for people in crisis, including LGBTQ+ individuals.

  • Books for LGBTQ+ Christians & Allies – A recommended reading list from The Reformation Project that explores faith, identity, and belonging.

  • Out of Order (Documentary) – A feature film telling the stories of LGBTQ+ faith leaders in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A).

  • The Trevor Project – 24/7 crisis and suicide prevention support for LGBTQ+ youth nationwide.

  • GLAAD – Advocacy, education, and media resources promoting understanding and inclusion of LGBTQ+ people.

  • Equality Florida – A statewide organization working for civil rights protections, education, and leadership development for LGBTQ+ Floridians.