Axios Unaltered
What Our Name Means
The meaning behind the name of our group is one of the most commonly asked questions that we receive. "Axios" is an ancient Greek word found throughout the Bible used to describe something being of great worth or value. For a group of people who has been constantly told that they need to change in order to have a relationship with God or to participate in their churches, the phrase "worthy just as you are" hits home a little extra hard. We're resilient and will continue on in pursuit of our faith unbothered, unchanged, and Unaltered. This is Axios.
How We Started
Hi, I'm Sammi, Axios Unaltered's founder! The idea for the group actually first came to me in 2023 when I was on the dating apps! When I would go out on dates and people would ask me what I did for work, upon finding out I worked in churches trying to help create safe and affirming spaces for the LGBTQ+ community, almost everyone said to me some version of "that's amazing; I grew up in church and I miss it. I wish there was someone around like you when I was growing up. Maybe I could've stayed in church." So I decided to be that person and create that group for everyone who grew up feeling they were not welcome in church because of who they are, and with the hope that future generations will never have to feel that.
Our Story
Axios Unaltered's first home was at Central United Methodist Church, co -led with Reverend Brandon Gilmore, until the church's closing in 2024. After a short hiatus, it was re-launched at First United Methodist Church of Phoenix, where it currently resides. The re-launch of Axios Unaltered provided the group with a new opportunity to start fresh with new members (as well as some old ones!) and that is where the group really began to grow. Soon our earliest attendees began bringing friends, and our group developed into the wonderful community that it is now.
