The interfaith LGBT & Friends coffee evenings are an opportunity to “bring people together,” the event organizer has said. William Edgill, 54, has one goal in mind: helping people from different religions from the LGBT community.
London is the place where eight different faiths come together to enjoy discussions and support. The last event was held at the Islington Hall between 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm.
“For me, interfaith is working with different people, it enriches our lives,” said Edgill.
Edgill said his Irish roots have supported his cause. “I am not a Roman Catholic as people may think,” Edgill said. “I come from the Church of Ireland and from my personal view different religions work well together.” He is part of the 3% of the Irish religious community, as most are Catholic.
“It can be hard being religious, it can be hard being religious and gay, it’s lack of education or just a generational issue,” said Edgill.
The LGBT community is growing in the UK, according to the ONS one in 25 people identify with being gay, bisexual or lesbian, 21% of which have experienced hate crime.
The interfaith LGBT & Friends evenings happen every time “there’s someone who wants to join us”, Edghill said. “People are nervous, we just do something for men, women, old and young.”
The experience is important to enjoy a connection between people.
“Discrimination can happen not only between individuals and society but even inside your own religious community.”
The event is open to everyone who wants to learn and bring friends to a different place and enjoy different discussions every month. “We are good at looking inside a church but we are bad at looking outside,” said the LGBT & Friends organizer.
If you interested joining LGBT & Friends coffee evenings contact interfaithlgbt@gmail.com