AGM Minutes 2026

Minute on Quaker Rainbow's Identity

We considered our ongoing identity and purpose, which seemed to encompass:

• Support and solidarity for LGBTQIA+  Quakers, giving confidence to be one’s whole self in as private or overt a way as feels right
• Representing to BYM the needs of LGBTQIA+ Quakers, considering all aspects of these identities.
• Within society at large, being part of wider progress and supporting BYM as a corporate body in wider outreach and representation for Equality.
• Holding an identity as an organisation using Quaker methods, in how we operate and interact with BYM.
• Offering worship opportunities and spiritual fellowship for those who do not or cannot attend a geographical meeting, or who seek Queer Quaker fellowship in addition to their other communities.

We also considered:

• The value of Queer Quaker spaces as safe spaces that recognise and accept a greater diversity of relationship dynamics both connected to and distinct from specifically LGBTQIA+ identities (eg relationship styles etc).
• How do we represent all parts of the rainbow, especially in spaces where those people might not be directly represented, and the vulnerability of sharing a personal LGBTQIA+ status. Acceptance in Quaker spaces shouldn’t be contingent on personal declaration of being LGBTQIA+.
• How do we bring people with us in establishing a version of Quakers in Britain that will not present the same challenges to the young quakers or new quakers of the future.
• What does it mean to be a worshiping community of LGBTQIA+ quakers without a geographical base or regular physical presence? How does that work? What are the different needs of those for whom it is primary MfW, vs those who also attend a geographical meeting?
• Would it change our fundamental identity to have a stronger emphasis on Worship opportunities, and is this what is wanted by our community.

Minute on Quaker Rainbow's Structure

We considered the activities that arise from our discerned identity and found broadly that these are aligned with current activities, with a strong emphasis on LGBTQIA+ advocacy both inward to BYM and outward. However our current ways of working make it hard to work in a timely manner, and more difficult to work with partners, although the outcomes are generally good when they emerge.

We want to move forward with the intent to:

• Understanding the BYM discerned positions and what we would see go further or with more clarity, ensuring they are mutually supporting and easy to work on together.
• Agree what our present concerns are (with discerned positions where relevant) to empower Clerks and others to act with confidence aligned with Quaker Rainbow positions
• Consider how we engage in dialogue with those within Quakers with different positions to us
• Bringing out the wider range of LGBTQIA+ experiences and concerns that affect our community

There seems to be a clear need for a defined administrative role, but this also requires a clarity on actions which might need administering. 

Clerks will take this forward to:

• Consider how roles might change and emerge to meet these needs.
• Work with the community to understand the strengths and resources within our community and how those can be offered or utilised.
• Propose sessions on discernment for key areas where the absence of it is felt to be limiting.