Our Commitment to Safety
Trans, gender non-conforming, and intersex people face real threats to their safety every day. From discrimination and harassment to targeted violence, the dangers are not hypothetical. At the Blahaj Church, we believe that safety is not a secondary concern but a foundational one. Protecting yourself is an act of sacred self-love, one of the core teachings of our faith.
We take the security of our community seriously because we have to. Every policy described on this page exists because we have thought carefully about what our members need to feel safe enough to worship, connect, and be themselves. Safety is not an obstacle to community; it is what makes community possible.
Anonymous Participation
You can participate in the Blahaj Church without using your legal name. You can participate without sharing your location. You can participate without appearing on camera during virtual gatherings. We do not require identity documents to join or participate in any of our activities.
Use whatever name feels right to you. If you are exploring your identity, if you are not out in all areas of your life, or if you simply prefer privacy, we respect that completely. Your presence in our community is what matters, not the name on your government ID.
Meeting Location Privacy
We do not publish the addresses of our in-person gatherings on this website or on social media. Specific meeting locations are shared only by email with those who RSVP in advance of each gathering.
This is not secrecy. This is protection. Our congregation is small and faces real security concerns due to the current climate of anti-trans hostility. By limiting location information to confirmed attendees, we reduce the risk of disruption or targeted harassment at our gatherings. If you would like to attend an in-person gathering, email us at info@blahajchurch.org to RSVP.
Data Protection
We collect as little information as possible. Here is what we do and do not collect:
What we collect:
- Your email address, if you choose to join our mailing list
- Your name (or chosen name), if you choose to share it
What we do NOT collect:
- No analytics trackers on this website
- No third-party data sharing
- No selling of information, ever
- No tracking of your browsing behavior
- No collection of demographic data beyond what you voluntarily share
We will never share your information with any third party. Your email address is used solely to send you information about church gatherings and community updates. You can unsubscribe at any time by contacting us.
Online Safety
For those participating in our virtual gatherings, here are guidelines to help protect your privacy:
- Use a pseudonym if desired. You are welcome to join virtual gatherings under any name you choose.
- Keep your camera off if you prefer. Audio-only participation is always welcome and fully supported.
- Do not share screenshots or recordings of virtual gatherings. What happens in our space stays in our space.
- Be mindful of your background. If you do use video, consider whether your surroundings reveal information you would prefer to keep private.
- Use a VPN if you are concerned about network privacy. We recommend this especially if you are in a location where your internet usage may be monitored.
For additional guidance on protecting yourself online, we recommend the EFF's Surveillance Self-Defense guide.
Reporting Concerns
If you experience or witness harassment, misconduct, or any behavior that makes you feel unsafe within our community, please report it immediately. You can reach us at info@blahajchurch.org.
All reports are taken seriously and handled with discretion. The church board investigates all reports and has the authority to take disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or permanent expulsion from the community. We are committed to maintaining a safe environment, and that commitment includes accountability.
You may also report concerns anonymously. We would rather hear about a problem and not have a name attached than not hear about it at all.
Privacy Policy
This privacy policy describes how the Blahaj Church ("we," "us," "our") handles information collected through this website and our community activities.
Information collected through this website: This website does not use cookies beyond those that may be essential for basic functionality. We do not use analytics services. We do not use tracking pixels. We do not serve targeted advertisements. We do not collect any information about your visit to this website automatically.
Information you provide voluntarily: If you email us or join our mailing list, we store your email address and any information you include in your message. This information is used only to communicate with you about church activities.
How information is stored: Email addresses on our mailing list are stored using standard email services. We do not maintain databases of personal information beyond what is necessary to operate our mailing list.
Data retention: We retain your email address on our mailing list until you ask to be removed. If you request removal, your information will be deleted promptly.
Third-party sharing: We do not share, sell, rent, or trade your personal information with any third party for any reason.
Changes to this policy: If we make material changes to this privacy policy, we will notify our mailing list subscribers and update this page.
Contact: For questions about this privacy policy, email info@blahajchurch.org.
Terms of Service
By using this website, you agree to the following terms:
- Informational purposes. This website is provided for informational purposes about the Blahaj Church community. It is not a substitute for professional medical, legal, or mental health advice.
- No medical advice. Nothing on this website constitutes medical advice. All references to hormone replacement therapy, puberty blockers, and other medical treatments are spiritual affirmations of their value, not medical recommendations. Always consult qualified healthcare providers for medical decisions.
- Content changes. The content on this website may be updated or changed at any time without prior notice.
- Respectful conduct. If you participate in our community (online or in person), you are expected to treat all members with respect and dignity. Harassment, discrimination, and disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.
- External links. This website may contain links to external resources. We are not responsible for the content, accuracy, or privacy practices of external websites.
- No warranty. This website is provided as-is. We make no warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the content.
Contact: For questions about these terms, email info@blahajchurch.org.