Non-Binary Awareness Week: Welcome, Support, and Advocacy

Non-Binary: one mold does not fit all

This week (July 14th-20th 2025) is Non-Binary Awareness Week. It is a time to highlight the experiences of non-binary people, challenge misconceptions, and encourage greater understanding across communities. In honour of this week of awareness, Julia offers us the following reflection:

"God loves you just the way you are"

My friend Rev. Ruth Noble (she/they) wrote about their experience at the Pride Toronto Festival for Affirm.  Some of you may have seen it in the registration email for the Annual Meeting.  It is a good story to reflect on during Non-Binary Awareness Week.

Here is my attempt to recount what Ruth shared: As in other years, there were protesters who had signs of hate and judgement in the name of Jesus, signs about repentance and sin. Ruth and other participants held a sign that said: “God loves you just the way you are!” People thanked them for doing this and were outraged at the protesters’ presence at the Pride Festival.

That night Ruth went and had a quiet meal at one of their favourite restaurants. They sat beside two people wearing t-shirts with the words “You are Loved”. They toasted with fancy Pride drinks, and the two people thanked them for being at the Festival and for standing up to the protesters. At the end of the meal, when Ruth asked for her bill, the waitress told her that those two people had paid the bill.

Non-Binary Flag

We live in a time where queer and trans rights are vanishing. As individuals and as a faith community, we reflect on the shift over the past few years. What we do – and what we do not do – is something that people in the wider community pay attention to and care about.

To be affirming means welcoming, supporting and advocating. It is a lifelong calling where there is always room to grow and more to learn. When we respond to the call of being affirming people, we proclaim our intention to create and keep creating a safe space for those on the margins.

At this year 45^th General Council, the United Church will reaffirm its commitment to radical hospitality and full inclusion of 2S and LGBTQIA+ people in all aspects of church life, and an apology will be offered to 2S and LGBTQIA+ communities in a special worship service on Friday, August 8.

For more information, please check out the United Church’s website

God's doors are open to all