Introducing Qism - A New LGBTQ+ Religion
Glass Closet Sanctuary
Why the need for a NEW LGBTQ+ Religion?
Simple Answer: 1st Amendment Rights
FREEDOM of RELIGION
FREEDOM of SPEECH
FREEDOM of ASSEMBLY
FREEDOM of PRESS
&
The Right To Petition the Government.
All religions are man-made. This one is no different.
It is specifically designed for LGBTQ+ Spirits, individuals, and communities around the globe.
We need your help!
The time is now!
This is a call to action!!!!
This new religion was developed out of great urgency and extreme need for an LGBTQ+ religious institution to combat the hate, discrimination, and anti-LGBTQ+ legislation directed at us. This religion and the establishment of the Glass Closet Sanctuary are serving that ever-growing need. We are not (despite often hypocritical beliefs) welcome in other religions or their meeting places. For example, recently, a Christian church in Florida is making members sign anti-LGBTQ+ statements stating they will not engage in LGBTQ+ relationships. (First Baptist Church in Jacksonville - Heath Lambert, Senior Pastor.) This is NOT welcoming and is direct blatant discrimination and nothing more than sanctioned hate. Why would ANY LGBTQ+ Spirit WANT to attend there or other churches or religion with similar beliefs? These abhorrent hate-filled "Houses of God" are not Our home.
But now, we have one!
Sign our own Statement on Sexuality MockQment.
Typically, we do not fit within the confines of ANY of the world’s main religions (Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hindi, or Buddhism), as evidenced by the need to sign an oath at the aforementioned Baptist denomination of a Christian church. There are countless examples of other churches/religions and their leaders preaching hate and intolerance against us. Actions by non-LGBTQ+ individuals within the confines of traditional institutional religions have not been our friend. There is a LONG history of persecution. However, in these modern times, this persecution is getting worse. There have literally been calls by religious leaders for us to be shot or encamped on remote islands and left to die. Non-LGBTQ+ propaganda is evil, misguided, and discriminatory and is seen as a threat.
All of this unwarranted hate is UNACCEPTABLE and we will NOT TOLERATE it. We needed a religious institution to combat all these negative forces we all face. We now have Qism and Glass Closet Sanctuaries where we can satisfy our religious needs, meet with others, and always feel welcome and safe while fighting for our rights.
What do we believe?
We believe in the LGBTQ+ Spirit above all else.
This religion is come as you are!!!
LGBTQ+ people come in all colors, shapes, sizes, nationalities, ethnicities, cultures, and abilities as well as religious backgrounds. The Spirit does NOT discriminate in that sense when it enters a human body. We are predominantly born to Non-LGBTQ+ parents and must function in a Non-LGBTQ+ dominant society, regardless of nationality and country of origin. We do not discriminate based on any characteristics other than recognizing two categories: the LGBTQ+ Spirits and Non-LGBTQ+ status distinction between individuals. We do NOT aspire to be Non-LGBTQ+. You either have the LGBTQ+ Spirit or you don’t. While we acknowledge that other Spirits such as animals and plants exist they are NOT part of our practice or philosophy. We are focused solely on the LGBTQ+ Spirit and how that manifests itself as a human experience.
This is NOT a cult, sex cult, or religion based on any act of sex. Sexual orientation does NOT equal the physical act of sex. Gender does NOT equal sex. A non-LGBTQ+ Spirit who engages in LGBTQ+ behaviors does not make them LGBTQ+
We have a very specific belief system based on a Core of 12 Beliefs and our own Doctrines and Teachings.
We are fluid in our beliefs and not held to the rigidity of a permanent unwavering doctrine as with most religions. Ours will change over time, as needed. We are a modern religion for modern times. We don’t punish members for not believing EXACTLY what we do. As with ALL religions, people may often omit or embellish parts. This one is no different. We are not afraid to grow, and this religion may evolve, expand, and hopefully spread across the world as we gain members. Despite this fluidity within our religion the basic philosophy, message, and core beliefs must be upheld and remain unchanged. We do have an Official LGBTQ+ Agenda that is also fluid.
What does the LGBTQ+ Spirit include?
The LGBTQ+ Spirit consists of a variety of genders and sexual orientations and identities. We cannot possibly encompass EVERY combination of sexualities and gender when trying to write because of the constraints of language.
We all get lumped together although our Spirits are different. Currently, the world (including ourselves) see’s us all pretty much the same; as being LGBTQ+. However, behind each letter is a distinct and unique Spirit. This religion allows you to define your own Spirit.
Despite our efforts to be all-inclusive, someone will invariably feel left out or forgotten. Please know that this is not our intent. The “+” in the title refers to ALL energies that identify with the LGBTQ+ Spirit. We don’t mean to exclude ANY LGBTQ+ Spirits. We are a species of labels and this very basic list of possibilities is not the end all, be all, and may change over time. Members may choose how they prefer to be identified and what they prefer to be called within the greater populous.
The LGBTQ+ Spirit is self-Identified.
If a Spirit claims to be LGBTQ+, we believe it. Unless their actions show otherwise. It is offensive for Non-LGBTQ+ individuals to pretend to be LGBTQ+.
We strive to use language that LGBTQ+ individuals use to identify themselves.
ALL ARE WELCOME!!!
What is a Glass Closet Sanctuary?
The Glass Closet Sanctuary is a locale where we may practice our beliefs. These sanctuaries are both local and available online. Look for a chapter near you. If there isn't a Glass Closet Sanctuary in your area yet, please have patience. We are building our foundations as quickly as possible. This first Glass Closet Sanctuary was established in El Paso, Texas. If you would like to help establish a Glass Closet Sanctuary in your local community, please email me for more information.
A Message From the Founder, Michael Clark
This framework for a new LGBTQ+ religion is my gift to help serve greater humanity. I created this belief system to directly counter the onslaught of hate, violence, abuse, and legislation LGBTQ+ Spirits are enduring and confronted with daily in our lives. It has been happening more and more frequently and incidents are becoming more and more intense and violent. I could not sit by and let these atrocities continue to happen without trying to do something. I believe my Spirit and Energies have guided me to this point and time. I have always known I have a warrior and teaching energies, but had no focus and didn't know what to do with that Energy. Now I do. I want to use my Spirit and Energy to help improve mankind. We all want to leave a mark on the world and a legacy. I don't know if I am any different in that sense. The construction of Qism as a religion and Glass Closet Sanctuaries around the globe as meeting places is my intent and desire. I am hoping it will be a positive endeavor and a positive influence on the world. I would love for this to take off like wildfire and spread to every corner of the globe. I think we ALL need it. However, if at the very least, I create a safe haven and place where I, myself, feel comfortable and safe I will have succeeded. I now have a place where I can be myself and I don't need to try and conform to ideologies I do not believe in. I do not have to feel shame for my own life. I do not want fame, money, notoriety, or anything else along those lines that might come with the spreading of these ideas. I am not a prophet, holy-man, and not particularly religious or spiritual in the traditional sense. I do want this religion to outlive me and perhaps outlive us all, I know there are more capable leaders than me and I would love to pass the reins at some point. I want ALL LGBTQ+ Spirits to be able to live happy, healthy, safe, lives where they feel accepted, wanted, and protected now and into the future.
Qism is a gift to myself as well as to ALL LGBTQ+ Spirits.
Welcome! Thank you for staying.