LGBT+ and Jesuit Institutions

The LGBTQ+ Community and Jesuit Institutions

What does it mean to be apart of the LGBTQ+ community and go to a Jesuit Instution?

Students who are a part of the LGBTQ+ Community and go to a Jesuit teaching school have a safe place to express their true self, whatever that may be! Here at Canisius, we foster an accepting community where students can feel safe, accepted, and supported.

Commitment to creating an atmosphere free of homophobic and transphobic behavior, along with LGBTQ+ advocating, in any form is fully consistent with Catholic education and the teachings of the Jesuits.

The late Jesuit Father Howard Gray once told an LGBTQ+ student, "God loves you and your church is learning to love you." James Martin S.J once said in an interview, "Love is the most important church teaching." There is no conflict between being Jesuit and being LGBTQ+, and we hope to support all students in recognizing the love that God has for all - including those in the LGBTQ+ community.

Jesuit Values:

Magis - challenges students to go beyond what is expectedm interacting with the world with generosity, excellence and empathy

Cura Personalis - care for yourself and others

Discernment - be open to God's spirit

Finding God in all Things - seek the divine in all things - in all peoples and cultures, in all areas of study and learning and in every human experience

Reflection - students are invited to pause to consider the world around them and their place within it before making decisions - this includes challenging the staus quo, acknowledging biases and accepting responsibility for action

Service Rooted in Justice and Love -

Solidarity and Kinship - students work together for the greater good - community service etc

How do these values apply to people of LGBTQ+ community and allies?

All of these values combined can be used as guidelines on how to better yourself as well as others. It can be an opportunity for students to have an open mind about people who may be different from them (sexuality, gender etc).

Book Resources:

Website Resources

Video Resources