San Francisco's Gay Friendly Churches

Glide Memorial Church in San Francisco is one of the most progressive churches in America. It's liberal - some might even say radical - credentials are unmatched. Founded in 1929 as a traditional Methodist church, Glide underwent a dramatic transformation in the 1960s under the leadership of Rev. Cecil Williams and Janice Mirikitani, who redefined it as a community-driven, progressive church embracing people of all backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ individuals, the homeless, and those affected by addiction. 

During the gay rights movement of the 1970s and 1980s, Glide became a sanctuary for LGBTQ+ activists, providing support to those impacted by the AIDS crisis and advocating for equality when many churches remained silent. Today, Glide is non-denominational, known for its high-energy, music-filled services showcasing gospel, spoken word, and community participation rather than traditional liturgy. Its mission extends beyond worship, running key  social programs, including free meals, HIV testing, harm reduction, and housing support. Glide is a great place to visit for spiritually curious LGBTQ+ people in San Francisco. You don't even need to be Christian to find a sense of community here.