Understanding begins with listening.
Building Bridges ND invites us to see our neighbors as people deserving of dignity, kindness, and respect. These experiences can help us understand the impact of our words and actions, even when we disagree about politics or theology.
Each story belongs to the person who lived it. Contributors speak for themselves; these voluntarily shared experiences are not a representative survey of North Dakota, Christians, or LGBTQ people. Together, different voices can help us learn what hurt, what helped, and how to love our neighbors well.
What we hope to hear
Room for the whole journey
Lived experience
Growing up, living, learning, and working in North Dakota. The moments that shaped a person's sense of safety and belonging.
Faith & belonging
Experiences with Christians, churches, and people outside the church. Space for faith, questions, pain, and connection.
Support & hope
The people who stayed, listened, and showed love. Words of encouragement for someone who feels alone today.
In their own words
Stories shared with permission
Some contributions may appear as short excerpts; others may be shared as longer stories. Contributors choose how their words may be used. We welcome accounts of hurt, support, faith, questions, and hope, without requiring a positive ending or a particular conclusion.
The first stories are still ahead.
No stories have been published here yet. This space is ready for experiences shared with permission—stories that can help someone feel understood and someone else learn to listen.
Share Your StoryYour experience can help build a bridge.
If you are LGBTQ and have a connection to North Dakota, you are invited to share as much or as little as you wish. You can submit without providing your name, and you decide whether your words may be published.
Share Your Story