David Sindt

In Memory of
DAVID BAILEY SINDT
Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church
Chicago, Illinois

The movement for the full inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in the Presbyterian Church began in 1974 when David stood on the floor of the General Assembly with a sign that said, "Is anybody else out there gay?"

In 1974, David Sindt and few gay and lesbian friends stood together on the floor of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church.  David held up a hand-lettered sign that said, "IS ANYONE ELSE OUT THERE GAY?"  With that one bold act, the movement for the full inclusion of LGBT persons in the Presbyterian Church was born.  Countless LGBT Presbyterians have said over the years that we will never know the immense courage -- and the incredible faith -- it must have taken to raise that small sign.

Monna Ray stitched David's name and an outline of irises on David's stole.  David and his father both cultivated irises; in fact, David had a new variety of iris named for him.

Martha Juillerat
Founder, Shower of Stoles Project
2006

Click here to read David Sindt's biographic profile on the LGBTQ Religious Archives Network's Profile Gallery.