Why Spiritual Well-Being Matters in the LGBTQ+ Community

In my family — as in many others — religion was often a source of conflict. My grandmother was a devoted Catholic, while my mother strongly defended her right to choose her own path. I, too, eventually distanced myself from traditional religion. The message felt clear: LGBTQ+ people were not truly welcome.

Still, as a teenager, I visited a place that left a lasting impression on me: Unity. There was a sense of peace in the air. People there meditated, spoke calmly, and everyone felt welcome. A memory of peace connected to that community stayed with me.

Years later, I learned that Unity is a non-denominational spiritual movement founded in Kansas City in the late 19th century. It promotes positive thinking, prayer, and an inclusive spiritual philosophy inspired by Christian teachings. Its beliefs resonated deeply with me: that God exists everywhere, that every human being carries inherent divinity, and that truth is expressed through action.

Eventually, I searched for Unity in Pittsburgh and found the Unity Center of Pittsburgh. From my very first visit, I felt that same sense of peace all over again. Today, I serve on its board of directors.

Even so, one question continues to stay with me: Why do so many LGBTQ+ people feel the need to reconnect with something greater than themselves?

Licensed therapist Héctor Santos offers a thoughtful perspective: “We are body, mind, and spirit. We care for the first two, but the spirit is often neglected.” He explains that spirituality can be difficult to understand because it cannot be seen or measured, yet it responds to a deeply human need. “Music, meditation, and silence can connect us to that ‘something more,’ even though we often do not stop long enough to listen.”

Santos emphasizes that everyone needs a sense of belonging, support, and safety — needs that can be especially profound within the LGBTQ+ community. For that reason, cultivating spirituality can play an important role in finding balance, resilience, and inner peace.

Reverend Patty Perhacs of the Unity Center of Pittsburgh summarizes it this way:

“We celebrate and welcome everyone without exception. We recognize the sacred in every person.” She also encourages people to watch the organization’s YouTube messages, “Have No Doubt” and “The Spiritual Law of Non-Judgment.”

This is my spiritual journey — personal, evolving, and uniquely my own. Yours may look different, or perhaps not so different after all. Either way, it is worth exploring. No one has all the answers, but growth is inevitable along the way. I invite you to discover your own path.

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The original English version of this article was published by QBurgh.