The Queerly Christian small group at Iowa State University’s The Vine blends spirituality, inclusivity and community.

During their most recent gathering on the first Wednesday of October, the atmosphere was filled with warmth, laughter and a palpable sense of belonging. The group environment, adorned by pride flags and their prideful covenant, set the stage for the conversations that followed that evening regarding identity, faith and acceptance.

The members discussed the first chapter of “Outside the Lines” by Mihee Kim-Kort, which explored a unique perspective of the author’s personal relationship with God. The diverse voices in the room highlighted the group’s commitment to inclusivity, openness and kindness.

In a personal interview, one of the Queerly Christian group’s leaders, Zachary Riedemann, shared that his journey to The Vine was rooted in his longing for a safe, affirming space after experiencing religious trauma as a gay man.

“I come from a very religious background,” Riedemann said. “When I first came out, my parents gave me a black eye, kicked me out of my house and I received so many Bible verses telling me I was a terrible person. The Vine is my first step back into religion after quitting and letting God go.”

His story delves into the importance of finding a community where one can heal both personally and spiritually.

Bailey Logan, another leader of the group, echoed Zachary’s sentiments, having joined the community after leaving a more conservative church in their hometown.

“I still always wanted to get back into the church, even though I’m agnostic,” Logan said. “It’s about finding a space where I don’t have to conform. We don’t want people to mask who they are to fit in.”

Logan said she prioritizes the space of acceptance that Queerly Christian offers.

“I love the community here because we all complete each other in the best way,” Logan said. “We all bring something so different that it kind of makes the puzzle whole. We don’t want people to mask who they are to fit into our church. Be yourself, be loud, you don’t have to conform to one specific thing. We will meet you where you are.”

For most of the members, the welcoming environments provided at Queerly Christian and The Vine, is what draws them in and keeps them coming back. Allie McPherson, a group member and leader of a separate small group called Dialogues on Race, attributed the group’s warmth to their common experiences of exclusion.

“A lot of that has to do with what Jen (the group’s pastor) has fostered,” McPherson said. “I think it’s the shared experience of not being welcomed and desperately looking for a welcoming place.”

Phoenix Nystrom, a freshman and brand new member, noted the group’s warmth and inclusive environment.

“When I first walked in, Zachary’s face lit up, and everyone was so excited to meet me,” Nystrom said. “I’ve only met these people once before, and they greeted me with ‘We miss you’ and ‘Where have you been?’ That’s what really told me that I’m going to keep coming here. It’s that feeling of belonging.”

This interaction illustrates the work that Jen Hibben, the pastor of Collegiate Presbyterian Church, or CPC, and the primary leader of The Vine, has put in to create an environment that fosters love and acceptance under God’s wing.

Riedemann explained that Queerly Christian aims to offer a place where both queer and Christian identities can coexist. “We want to foster this kind of community because a lot of us need that healing space,” Riedemann said. “College isn’t easy, and having people who understand where you come from makes such a difference.”

The Vine’s Queerly Christian small group is a part of a far bigger effort to create inclusive spaces for individuals on campus. The group’s ability to support people from all kinds of backgrounds, no matter their sexuality or religious standing, speaks to its place as an essential resource for students seeking the environment they provide.

“We’re changing people’s perceptions of what can be discussed in spaces like ours,” McPherson said.

In an environment where exclusion often defines religious spaces for queer individuals, the Queerly Christian small group represents a bright beacon of hope. Through shared experiences, respectful and open dialogue and a commitment to inclusivity, The Vine offers a lighthearted and fun space where individuals can explore their spirituality without sacrificing their identity. Queerly Christian is a place where faith and queerness meet and thrive together.

Queerly Christian meets at 7 p.m. every Wednesday. For further information, email Zachary Riedemann at [email protected].