Sunday, June 5, 2016 marks the launch of the #RainbowMormon Initiative. Pin a rainbow ribbon to wear to church every Sunday from that day forward, to show solidarity for LGBTQIA youth and adults–let them know you can provide a safe, non-judgmental space and that you support them unconditionally. Share later with #RainbowMormon. If you no longer attend LDS services, wear the ribbon wherever you are on Sundays, and you too can share your pic on facebook/twitter/instagram with #RainbowMormon. You can also give a rainbow ribbon to LDS friends and family who you know are sympathetic, have faith in more inclusive days ahead, and are looking for something they can do to help. Also, crochet/knit scarves, hats, or blankets (at church or anywhere) for homeless gay youth–excellent conversation starter for the person sitting next to you–and share your creations with #rainbowmormon. Learn how here.
Michaels and Joanne’s Fabrics sell rainbow ribbon spools in yards. You can also buy ribbon here or here to tack onto your next Amazon Prime order. Cut more with what’s left to give to friends/family or coordinate with your local Mormon Spectrum group to give to each other and see who already might have ribbon to share. June 5 is also SLC Pride Day, and Mama Dragons will be handing out rainbow ribbons. Pick yours up there! If you’re a college student, most campuses have gender studies departments that may also have ribbon pins to give away.
Join us! You are not alone in your hope for better days to come, or as the hymn goes, “there is hope smiling brightly before us.” While local reactions are impossible to predict, we feel it’s important to prepare you for possible pushback should you decide to wear one.
The Open Stories Foundation (OSF) has graciously offered to fund postage costs for those who cannot find a rainbow ribbon locally. Donations to the OSF are welcome if you’d like to help too in that way, and they are also 100% tax deductible–thank you for your support. To request a ribbon to be mailed to you, or for any other questions, you can reach the #RainbowMormon organizers here:
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