Waterloo: Behind The Scenes – Pride and Prejudice?

During Pride 2023, the Borough, home to the highest proportion of London’s LGBTQ+ community, will host a panel discussion exploring the complex relationship between faith and sexuality.

Held at St John’s Waterloo, one of London’s most inclusive Churches, this panel discussion aims to challenge the common perception that faith and homosexuality are incompatible and to explore ways to bridge the gap.

Hosted by Canon Giles Goddard from St John’s (who is also the former Chair of Inclusive Church), panellists include Asifa Lahore (Britain’s first out Muslim drag queen), Ruby Almeida (Catholic LGBTQ+ rights campaigner), Reverend Nathan Jones.

(Senior Minister at Oasis Church Waterloo), Tom Ana (Interfaith Campaigner & Events Manager at London LGBTQ+ Centre) and Hava Mirviss-Carvajal (Head of Joy at Queer Yeshiva).

Discussion topics will include individual recollections of prejudice, the challenges around cohesion between the LGBTQ+ and faith communities, how panellists are encouraged by their faith, and what they might say to those who have had negative experiences.

The event is the latest in the ‘Waterloo – Behind the Scenes’ debate series, which facilitates challenging conversations to help build a better future for those who live, work and play in the area.