You might be surprised to hear that even before this long debate over marriage equality began, a group of Christians decided it was past time to band together in support of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and questioning (LGBTIQ) fellow Christians.

A national movement of affirming and LGBTIQ Christians was born.

It is called Equal Voices - and a branch of the movement has started up locally.

Parkes woman, Rebecca Baxter has been charged with establishing the Central West Branch of Equal Voices. 

“We are a movement of straight and LGBTIQ Christians who mourn the silencing and rejection of Christians who identify as LGBTIQ by our churches,” Rebecca said.

“We are committed to the cultivation of church cultures in which LGBTIQ  people are welcomed and accepted on the same basis as anyone whose sexuality is ‘straight’.

“Based out of Parkes, our focus is on giving opportunity for those who have been hurt by comments and attitudes they have encountered, to find their voice and be heard.

“Our aim, first and foremost, is to provide a safe space for the LGBTIQ community to share their stories.” 

Rebecca said she and many other Christians are affirming of the LGBTIQ community because of their faith, not in spite of it. 

“I believe that supportive friendships can be life-saving,” she said.

“I believe that people can thrive in all aspects of life when they know they have friends who care about them.

“People within the church have a role to play in forging those ‘outside the box’ friendships.”

Rebecca from Equal Voices, and some affirming friends are holding a rally on Saturday, September 30 and are encouraging everyone who supports same sex marriage to go along to Cooke Park from 10am.

Rebecca said if you are one of the many people who need a safe space to come out, please feel free to send her an email at centralwestev@gmail.com

“Know that you are not alone,” she said.

“There are many people who have been there, and groups to support you along the way. There is safe space, and you are welcome.”