LGBTQI+ Alliance
Our convictions are simple: Love is love. Love is from God. And if something isn’t rooted in love, it isn’t from God.
Our Beliefs
Washington National Cathedral doesn’t just accept God’s LGBTQIA+ children—we celebrate their gifts and honor their relationships. Whether in the pews or in the pulpit, this is a place that cherishes our LGBTQI+ friends, clergy, staff and family members.
As the final resting place of Matthew Shepard, this Cathedral is committed to being a House of Prayer for All People, no exceptions. Our convictions are simple: Love is love. Love is from God. And if something isn’t rooted in love, it isn’t from God.
Get Involved
The LGBTQI+ Alliance promotes the inclusiveness of the Episcopal Faith and the Cathedral’s message of “All are Welcome” by helping people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and faith backgrounds find their place in the church. For more information about how to get involved or upcoming events, email us.
Pride Month 2024
June 8 • Capital Pride Parade
The Capital Pride Parade returns! On Saturday, June 8, the Congregation’s LGBTQI+ Alliance will walk with the Cathedral float to show that the Cathedral is a house of prayer for all people. Spaces for walking in the parade are limited, but all are encouraged come out in support along the parade route. More info →
June 9 • Pride Sunday
This special Principal Holy Eucharist celebrates and honors the lives and contributions of members of the LGBTQI+ community with special prayers and guest preacher The Rev. Altagracia Pérez-Bullard, PhD, Associate Dean for Multicultural Ministries and Assistant Professor of Practical Theology, Virginia Theological Seminary. All are welcome to attend; the service is also livestreamed. More info →
Remembering Matthew Shepard
In October of 2018, Matthew Wayne Shepard was interred in the columbarium of the Cathedral’s Saint Joseph’s Chapel.
The bronze plaque that honors Matthew Shepard was installed to mark his final resting place. It mirrors a plaque dedicated to human rights advocate Helen Keller, who lies nearby.
Like Helen Keller, Matthew dreamed and worked for a world full of love and compassion. This memorial plaque was made possible through a global crowd-funding initiative that raised all funds necessary within three weeks.
While there is a nominal entrance fee for visitors touring the Cathedral, there is no cost to any who come to pray or worship at the Cathedral, including those who come to visit this special spot dedicated to Matthew Shepard’s memory.