Our Mission
There is a well-known (and often misused) Native American saying, “one must walk a mile in another's moccasins to truly understand their ways.” We believe this expresses our dilemma as LGBT current and former Jehovah’s Witnesses who are faced with a religion, society, our family (and often our own self), who misunderstand us.
From our own experiences and from what we hear from persons who contact us, the very organization we turn to for understanding, love and tolerance is unequipped to deal with homosexuality in an honest and effective manner. Much of the Jehovah’s Witness literature about homosexuality is hurtful and divisive to say the least. Often our family members and Elders who we turn to for help are not trained or educated about the nature of homosexuality, and as a result, we face expulsion, shunning and in some cases homelessness and suicide. Furthermore, much of what is written by the Society about homosexuality is inaccurate or misleading and frequently ignores proven medical research, which only alienates our family and friends even more.
We seek to move beyond the intolerance displayed by Jehovah’s Witnesses in matters of sexuality and religion and kindly implore the “Society” (WTB&TS) to focus instead, on open theological discussion. Although well meaning in some cases, we urge the Society to avoid interfering in the private and deeply personal issues of congregation members, that are better left to professionals who are equipped, educated and trained to address these issues appropriately.
With that said, we do not wish to attack the organization but rather it is our mission to reach out to current and former Jehovah’s Witnesses who identify as lesbian, gay, bi-sexual or transgender, or who may question their sexual orientation. We provide a safe and non-combative place for understanding and discussion either at our meet-ups or on-line. Since many of us at ACBnyc have moved beyond our personal struggles with the support of friends and valuable community resources, we strive to reach out and be available to others, and to develop a support network of friends. We believe that the “mile” it takes to become happy, self-actualized and productive global citizens in the 21st Century, involves open dialogue, education and honesty.