Select Page:
Jayne Margaret Ozanne, a British evangelical Anglican, has made significant contributions to LGBTQI rights and advocacy. She has been involved in various organizations and initiatives, and her story exemplifies the power of faith, activism, and personal integrity in effecting positive change in society.
Debra Kolodny is a prominent figure in the fields of bisexual rights activism and congregational rabbinic ministry. Throughout their life, Kolodny has played a crucial role in advocating for the rights and acceptance of bisexual individuals within religious communities. Their relentless dedication to social justice and their pioneering work have made a lasting impact on both the LGBTQ+ community and religious organizations.
Mary Douglas Glasspool, born in 1954 in Staten Island, New York, became the first avowed lesbian to be consecrated as a bishop in the Anglican Communion. Her dedication to her faith and her role as an openly lesbian bishop have had a profound impact on both the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion, making her a pioneer for inclusivity and acceptance within the church.
Cori Anika Bush, a nurse, pastor, and Black Lives Matter activist, was born on July 21, 1976, in St. Louis, Missouri. She has made a significant impact on her community and the nation as a whole, serving as a U.S. representative for Missouri’s 1st congressional district. Bush’s journey towards political leadership began with her early education and was influenced by her politically active family. She has become a powerful force for change and representation, advocating for social justice and equality.
Delores Seneva Williams, a pioneering American Presbyterian theologian, made a significant contribution to the development of womanist theology. Her influential book, “Sisters in the Wilderness,” examined the experiences of black women and their theological perspectives. Williams emphasized the importance of womanist thought rooted in the experiences of African-American women, challenging prevailing narratives within theological scholarship. Her work has had a lasting impact on the broader discourse on race, gender, and spirituality.
Sandra Lawson, the first openly gay, female, and black rabbi in the world, has broken barriers and made significant contributions to the Jewish community and society as a whole. Throughout her life, Lawson’s passion for diversity and social justice has driven her to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and racial equality. Her unique intersectional identity and unwavering commitment to inclusivity have inspired and challenged traditional notions of what a rabbi can be.
Carol Lyons Meyers is an esteemed American feminist biblical scholar, known for her significant contributions to the field of religious studies. Born in 1942 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Meyers developed a passion for learning from an early age…
Elizabeth Hesselblad, a Swedish religious sister, founded the active branch of the Bridgettine order known as the “Bridgettine Sisters.” During World War II, she courageously saved the lives of Jews, earning recognition as a Righteous Among the Nations. Her selflessness and dedication to the Catholic Church led to her beatification in 2000 and canonization in 2016.
Yeshe Tsogyal, known as the “Victorious Ocean of Knowledge,” played a significant role in Tibetan Buddhism. Born into the royal family, she showed a deep interest in spiritual practices from a young age. She became the spiritual consort of Padmasambhava and achieved enlightenment in her lifetime. Yeshe Tsogyal’s teachings emphasized compassion, wisdom, and the cultivation of inner qualities, making her a preeminent figure in Tibetan Buddhism.
Eliza Ann Gardner was a prominent African-American abolitionist, women’s rights leader, and religious figure. Born in New York City and raised in Boston’s African-American community, she was surrounded by activism and the fight against slavery. Despite societal constraints, Gardner excelled academically and became a respected figure in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. She founded the Zion Missionary Society and played a key role in advocating for women’s rights within the church. Gardner’s unwavering commitment to equality and justice made her a pivotal figure in the fight for social change.
Archduchess Maria Anna of Austria, despite facing physical disabilities, demonstrated remarkable intelligence and played significant roles in state events throughout her life. As the abbess of the Theresian Institution of Noble Ladies in Prague and later in Klagenfurt, she dedicated herself to education and the well-being of the noble ladies under her care. Her perseverance, resilience, and contributions to science and art make her an inspiring figure in women’s history.
Rani Gaidinliu, born in 1915, was a Naga spiritual and political leader who fought against British rule in India. Her involvement in the Heraka movement and subsequent imprisonment showcased her determination and resilience. Recognized as “Rani” for her unwavering spirit, Gaidinliu continued her fight for her people and their cultural heritage even after her release. She received the prestigious Padma Bhushan award for her contributions and remains an inspiration to many.