GALA (Gay and Lesbian Acceptance)

Harmony, formerly GALA (Gay and Lesbian Acceptance[1]), is a non-profit Missouri corporation consisting of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons, allies, and their family and friends who are connected with Community of Christ.

Harmony

Founded	1984 (1984)
Founder	Art Butler, Ginger Farley, Bob Swoffer
Type	Non-profit
Focus	The purpose of Harmony is to affirm the dignity and worth of all persons without regard to gender, race, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation.
Location	Kansas City, Missouri
Area served	Global
Services	Advocacy, Education, Resources
Website	www.harmony.lgbt
Formerly called	GALA, Gay and Lesbian Acceptance

Formally organized in 1987 by Art Butler, Ginger Farley, and Bob Swoffer, the organization continues to support members of the LGBTQIA2S+ Community within Community of Christ. In 2019, GALA legally merged with the Welcoming Community Network (WCN), a non-profit organization serving Community of Christ congregations seeking to become welcoming and affirming. The newly merged organization took the name Harmony.

Harmony's mission is to "provide advocacy, education, and resources for Queer voices in Community of Christ with a shared vision of full participation".[2] Its stated purpose is to "affirm the dignity and worth of all persons without regard to gender, race, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation".[3] The organization works closely with individual members, congregations, and Community of Christ leaders at all levels to advocate for Queer persons.

Although Harmony is not formally affiliated with Community of Christ, most of its members have a connection to the Independence, Missouri-based church. The organization sends representatives to Community of Christ jurisdictional and World Church gatherings and conferences. Harmony also sponsors the Welcoming Committee Network, an organization that assists LGBT individuals' participation in the Community of Christ.