Put Out into the Deep

July 2 2025

In this edition, reflections on why LGBT/SSA+ teens may show more devotion than their peers. And a reminder to get the early Bird registration price for Confident Witness!

Our Lady of Misfit Toys

When Keith recalls his high-school years, he remembers being one of several gay or lesbian students at his Catholic school who were leaders in evangelizing their peers. They were the ones hyper-involved in retreat ministry, aced theology class, led Bible studies, had an enormous charismatic prayer group that drew from all over the diocese, got trained up in pro-life activism. Adults were proud of their Catholic golden boys and girls.

We’ve heard similar stories from some other Catholics who grew up at the tail end of the Baby Boom (or, perhaps more relevantly, in the first decade after Vatican II). Their Catholic high schools were refuges for devout teens who were quietly “out” to friends and trusted priests or teachers.

Those are stories from a less-polarized Church.

Even today, BCF hears about devout youth who are sincere about considering what "gay and Catholic" might mean for them. Like Keith and his friends, many have come out to a few trusted people of faith and found good counsel. Youthful ardor for Christ shouldn’t surprise us!

There are many reasons a young gay person might be especially fervent in faith.

• The coming-out process requires young people to ask questions about love, purpose, and vocation: existential questions that prompt religious reflection.
• Acknowledging their same-sex desires may also force teens to confront questions of shame, inherent worth, and God’s mercy. These painful questions may lead to a loss of faith—or to a renewed trust in God.
• A teen may be trying to prove, “I may be gay, but I’m a good person!”, or, “I am a good Christian, so my desires, plans, and hopes are holy.” These aren’t the most mature reasons for devotion, but they are fairly common.
• Realizing they’re different from their parents and peers may prompt teens to question who they really are and what they believe—again, sometimes leading to a loss of faith, but sometimes leading to an internal “appropriation” of faith, truly making it their own.

These are only a few of the dynamics at play in the hearts and souls of devout queer Catholic youth. No matter what position they stake out in our polarized Church, Catholic institutions often default to viewing queer people as outsiders—marginalized from the Church or sinful people within the Church, alienated by the Church or antagonistic to the Church. 

BCF works to equip Catholic leaders to think beyond the idea of gay as outsider.

One way we shift the conversation is by calling attention to all the ways LGBT/SSA+ people are already building the Kingdom and serving the Church. These Catholics’ faith helps us understand what could make flourishing possible for the many gay people who have not yet found a place in the Church.

The Catholic faith attracts gay people, and gay people can flourish in the Church! The Gospel is “Good News” for all.

Early Bird Registration Ends This Week!
Registration is now open for BCF’s first Confident Witness retreat. This retreat will take place in Boston from August 7 – 10 and will prepare LGBT/SSA+ Catholics intellectually and spiritually for mentorship and leadership in their local communities. To learn more and register for the retreat, go here:

We would love to see you there!

Eve & Keith