WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) - June is Pride Month, and some houses of worship, and faith leaders stand as allies to the LGBTQ+ community.

Two churches KAKE News spoke with see people as people who are all children under God, no matter their sexuality or how they identify. We spoke with two women who identify as queer. Both share with us their faith journey.

“Queer is, over the years evolved to just not a heterosexual lifestyle or thought,” said Jessica Maldonado.

Maldonado works at Unity of Wichita, a church that teaches what it calls "practical christianity.” She started off as a church member elsewhere. 

“Growing up catholic I was told, yeah, you can have those feelings, you can think someone attractive of the same sex, but just don't act it,” said Maldonado.

But since joining Unity of Wichita, she says this gives her a place to be her authentic self.

“Here it's totally different, they were my kind of people that believe the same way I do, that we're all one that love is love,” said Maldonado.

Reverand Samantha Jones welcomes people of all faiths, backgrounds, and identities. Here's why.

“Each one of us is a unique expression of God in our lives. We at Unity of Wichita believe that God is everyone completely present and God is good,” said Reverand Jones of Unity of Wichita.

College Hill United Methodist Church also stands with the LGBTQ+ community. Liz Wine says she has found allies at College Hill.

“Here because there's such consistent messaging and what the church is known for, even if somebody is not like an outright ally like they're here and they're still coming back and they're open,” said Hill who is a church member at College Hill United Methodist.

Reverand Jill Sander-Chali understands some in the LGBTQ+ Community may hesitate to belong to a church because of their past experiences.

“I think the biggest thing we try to do here at College Hill is acknowledge that the church has done harm and provide a place that is a healing place for people who have been harmed by religion,” said Sander-Chali, Senior Pastor at College Hill United Methodist Church.

Both of the churches have a part in the pride festivities in the city of Wichita. College Hill United Methodist Church will have a service that focuses specifically on Pride at the end of the month.