Relationships Blessed by Difference:
Bridging the LGBTQ+ and Faith Divide
Online workshop (recorded)
View YouTube video
Links to handouts referred to in the workshop:
Derek’s CHIEF Framework
Marian’s Tips for Talking
Highlighting: Bridging the LGBT and faith divide and
Curious and collaborative partnerships
An NGO CSW 2020 Workshop
Meet our presenters:
Derek Monson and Rev. Marian Edmonds-Allen
Derek Monson
Chief Growth Officer for the Sutherland Institute, a conservative, nonpartisan 501(c)(3) think tank committed to defending each generation’s New Birth of Freedom.
Derek began at Sutherland as a policy analyst in 2007. He now leads Sutherland’s policy team – including overseeing policy content creation and strategic policy positioning – and offers expert analysis and commentary on Utah’s tax policy. During his career at Sutherland, Derek has influenced a variety of public policy issues in Utah, including economic development and regulation; tax and budget; government transparency; public education; religious freedom; Medicaid reform; alcohol regulation; and immigration. His research has been published in Public Budgeting and Finance and the Social Science Research Network, and his work has been presented at academic conferences and college campuses from Nevada to Florida, including at the United Nations. He has also provided expert policy analysis and commentary for the L.A. Times, Washington Times, HuffPost, The Hill, The Washington Examiner, Associated Press, The Federalist, KSL/Deseret News, ABC4 Utah, Fox 13 Utah, Wallethub.com, Utahpolicy.com, The Salt Lake Tribune and the Utah State Legislature. He has bachelor’s degrees in economics/political science from BYU and a master’s degree in finance from the University of Utah.
Rev. Dr. Marian Edmonds-Allen
Executive Director, Parity and director of Blessed by Difference
Parity helps congregations, faith organizations, clergy, seminarians, denominations and seminaries become more LGBTQ+ sensitive and celebratory.
Parity also helps families, parents, youth, adults and elders to navigate what it means to be
(or love) an LGBTQ+ person - and to have faith and flourish, too!
Rev. Dr. Marian Edmonds-Allen is the director of Blessed by Difference and the executive director of Parity, a NYC-based national nonprofit that works at the intersection of faith and LGBTQ+ concerns.
Marian has worked with youth and families in various denominations and settings throughout the country for more than 20 years, focusing on strengths-based interventions and supports to affirm beliefs and faith practices for LGBTQ+ persons.
In 2013, Marian was named Person of the Year by Q Salt Lake for her visionary leadership, and in 2015 was named a Petra Fellow for her work with LGBTQ homeless youth. She is formerly Executive Director of OUTreach Resource Centers, the National Program Director of the Family Acceptance Project and Executive Director of the Utah Pride Center.
Marian attended Western Theological Seminary and Eden Theological Seminary, and has served in many pastoral capacities, including church planting, parish ministry and chaplaincy. She is married, has four children, and is a passionate skier and outdoor enthusiast. Email Marian: marian@parity.nyc
Handouts referred to in the workshop:
Derek’s CHIEF Framework
Marian’s Tips for Talking
A NGO CSW 2020 Workshop
Originally scheduled for
March 18, 3:00 PM
Salvation Army Auditorium
221 East 52nd Street New York, NY 10022
and then moved to virtual, at the request of the UN Secretary General