Ghristians: Gay Christians & Catholics - LGBTQIA & Friends

Background on Ghristians:

When we first got to NYC, we had a tough time trying to find LGBTQIA Catholic and Christian welcoming parishes; communities and social events - So with the hope of enabling future arrivals like ourselves and current residents that may not be aware of the large number and diversity of parishes/churches, and LGBTQ outreach groups and communities that now exist in the NYC tri-state area, we launched this social group Ghristians for Gay Christians, Catholics - LGBTQIA & Friends.

This is a Relaxed, Casual and "No Attitude" group.

Pre-Pandemic:
Before the pandemic, some of the group events included Dinners, Movies, Walks, Discussion Groups, Jazz Mass / Martini Nights and other events. In addition, and with the help of member volunteers, and member suggestions - our community outreach projects included: A free educational and informational mobile app on "Gay Catholics Christians (that is now in need of a major technical update and being updated/Volunteers Welcome); a book of members' dating stories & challenges in trying to balance spirituality & the dating scene in NYC - "God's Black Porsche: Dating Stories from NYC's Gay Catholics & Christians (https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Black-Porsche-Catholics-Christians/dp/1523862866 https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Black-Porsche-Catholics-Christians/dp/1523862866 ) and other projects.

Today Post-Pandemic:
In this ever changing post-pandemic world - we are tying to use the group as a directory and comprehensive listings of LGBTQIA Catholic and Christian virtual and/or onsite events; meetings and outreach programs in the NYC Tri-State area as they are suggested by group members. When attending any of the onsite events, you must always observe theirs, and their communities' covid guidelines (ie, masks, vaccinations, social distancing, etc).

Member Suggestions:
If you know of events, parishes and/or groups that we should make the group members aware OR if you want to suggest new events - please message us directly and include links/contact info for the event.

# Ghristians: Gay Christians and Catholics

Digital Release of Liability, Disclaimer & Assumption of Risk
(United States – General Jurisdiction)

***

## ⚠️ IMPORTANT – LEGALLY BINDING AGREEMENT

By requesting membership, accessing the group platform, registering for any event, attending any event, or checking the acceptance box, you agree to the terms below.
This Agreement applies to:

• Membership in the group
• Participation in any group-organized event
• Participation in any event listed or promoted through the group

***

## 1. NATURE OF THE GROUP

Ghristians: Gay Christians and Catholics (“Ghristians”) primarily functions as:

• An informational and community-building platform
• A listing resource for in-person and online events hosted by third-party organizations
• An occasional organizer of independent social gatherings (dinners, hikes, meetups)

The group is volunteer-run and is not a professional religious, counseling, travel, or event services organization.

***

## 2. THIRD-PARTY EVENT LISTINGS DISCLAIMER

Ghristians may post, promote, share, or link to events organized by other churches, ministries, nonprofits, social groups, or organizations.
Participant acknowledges:

1. Ghristians does not organize, supervise, control, or manage third-party events unless explicitly stated.
2. Ghristians does not verify the accuracy, safety, legality, doctrinal content, accessibility, or quality of third-party events.
3. Ghristians makes no representations or warranties regarding third-party events.
4. Attendance at any third-party event is entirely voluntary and at Participant’s sole risk.

Participant releases and discharges Ghristians and its organizers from any claims arising from participation in third-party events listed or promoted by the group.

***

## 3. VIRTUAL PEER-LED GRIEF SUPPORT GROUPS

Ghristians may post or share listings for free virtual peer-led grief support groups hosted by external nonprofit organizations, including MyGriefAngels.org.
Participant acknowledges:

1. These groups are organized, hosted, and operated entirely by the sponsoring nonprofit.
2. Ghristians does not organize, supervise, moderate, or control content, participant conduct, or safety.
3. These groups are peer-led, not therapy or professional counseling.
4. Ghristians makes no warranties regarding facilitator qualifications, emotional outcomes, privacy, or platform safety.
5. Participation is voluntary and at Participant’s sole risk.

Participant assumes full responsibility for emotional well-being and agrees to seek licensed professional care if needed.
Participant releases Ghristians from all claims arising from participation in these peer-led support groups.

***

## 4. INFORMATIONAL CONTENT DISCLAIMER

Content posted in the group, including event descriptions, comments, religious discussions, or shared resources:

• Is for informational and community purposes only
• Does not constitute religious, legal, medical, psychological, or professional advice
• May reflect the views of individual members, not the organizers

Participant assumes full responsibility for evaluating suitability of any information or event.

***

## 5. GROUP-ORGANIZED EVENTS – ASSUMPTION OF RISK

For events directly organized by Ghristians (social dinners, hikes, meetups):

• Participation involves inherent risks (slips, falls, food-related illness, weather hazards, acts of other participants, third-party venue negligence)
• Outdoor activities such as hikes involve risk of injury, environmental exposure, terrain hazards, and wildlife encounters
• Participation is voluntary and at Participant’s own risk

Participant knowingly assumes all risks, including serious injury or death.

***

## 6. TRANSPORTATION & CARPOOL DISCLAIMER

If members independently coordinate ridesharing:

• Carpooling is privately arranged between participants
• Ghristians does not organize, supervise, screen, approve, or insure any driver or vehicle
• Participation in carpooling is voluntary and at Participant’s sole risk

Participant releases Ghristians from any liability arising from transportation arrangements.

***

## 7. ONLINE EVENTS DISCLAIMER

For online or virtual events:

• Ghristians is not responsible for platform outages, cybersecurity issues, privacy breaches, or participant conduct
• Participant assumes risks associated with using any digital platform

***

## 8. RELEASE OF LIABILITY & COVENANT NOT TO SUE

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Participant:

• Releases, waives, and discharges Ghristians, its organizers, volunteers, and affiliates from any claims arising from membership or participation
• Agrees not to sue for injuries, damages, losses, or claims arising from participation
• Acknowledges this includes claims based on negligence

This Release binds Participant and Participant’s heirs, executors, administrators, successors, assigns, and estate.

***

## 9. INDEMNIFICATION

Participant agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Ghristians and its organizers from claims arising from:

• Participant’s conduct
• Participation in any event
• Carpool or ridesharing involvement

***

## 10. PHOTOGRAPHY & MEDIA RELEASE

Participant acknowledges that photographs or videos may be taken at group-organized events.
By agreeing:

• Grants Ghristians a perpetual, royalty-free license to use images/recordings
• Authorizes use on Meetup, social media, websites, newsletters, and communications
• Waives any right to inspection, approval, or compensation
• Releases Ghristians from claims related to privacy, publicity, or likeness

If Participant does not wish to be photographed, they must notify organizers in advance.

***

## 11. NO ENDORSEMENT OF THIRD PARTIES

Listing or sharing an event does not constitute endorsement of the sponsoring organization.
Participant is solely responsible for determining whether a third-party event aligns with their beliefs or expectations.

***

## 12. GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement is governed by the laws of the state in which the claim arises.
Any dispute must be filed in a court of competent jurisdiction within that state.
Participant waives the right to a jury trial where permitted.

***

## 13. DIGITAL CONSENT

By checking the box below, Participant confirms that:

• They have read this Agreement in full
• They understand it is a legally binding release of liability
• They agree voluntarily
• They are at least 18 years old

***

### REQUIRED CONFIRMATION

I confirm that with my request to join this group, I have read and agree to the Release of Liability, Disclaimer, and Assumption of Risk Agreement.