This week, The State of Belief podcast brings you a powerful, no-holds-barred panel discussion hosted by Rev. Paul Raushenbush, featuring four incredible LGBTQ+ and faith activists: Chase Strangio (ACLU), Tahil Sharma (LGBTQ Task Force), Jon Cohen (Keshet), and Ross Keys (Interfaith Alliance of North Dakota).
They’re tackling some of the biggest issues at the intersection of faith and LGBTQ+ rights—from the relentless attacks on the trans community to the critical role faith groups must play in fighting back. They’re not just talking about the problems—they’re offering real, actionable ways to push for justice, inclusion, and protection for all.
Chase Strangio breaks down how controlling people’s bodies and families is a key tool of authoritarian regimes.
Tahil Sharma stresses why faith communities must step up and actually communicate across differences.
Jon Cohen reminds us that most people of faith support LGBTQ+ rights—so let’s amplify that truth!
Ross Keys lays out a strategy for activism that actually works (and won’t leave you burned out).
This isn’t just another conversation—it’s a call to action. If you care about LGBTQ+ rights, faith, and democracy, you need to hear this. Listen now, get fired up, and let’s do the work together!
To get The State of Belief delivered to you every week, please be sure to subscribe at https://www.stateofbelief.com/subscribe, and share The State of Belief with someone who needs to hear this conversation!
You can also hear this week’s episode below:
Ray Kirstein is the producer of The State of Belief podcast.
Navigating the Narrow Bridge: Congressman Eric Swalwell and the Fight for Democracy
This week on The State of Belief, Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush talks with Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA). They cover democracy, courage, faith, personal integrity, and community action in a post-January 6th, Trump-led America.
