LGBTQ Cooperation Circle (CC) members feel that this is the time for the LGBTQ community to have a stronger presence in working to end the violence—often religiously and culturally motivated—perpetrated on members of the LGBTQ community globally. They understand that, individually and collectively, their combined years in URI provide them a strong foundation to work towards justice, bridge-building and ending religiously motivated violence. They work together to address issues of inclusion of lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender and queer in interfaith dialogue, as well as to engage in human rights, equality and peace building initiatives and activities. Dialogue, advocacy, and engagement are the foundations of their activities. They seek to create opportunities for open dialogue and diversity training that addresses issues of bias and inequality affecting the LGBTQ community in communities of faith, the general public, the family, and the workplace. They also seek to provide safe spaces for open dialogues among the LGBTQ community.
