15 Photos From Brazil's First Gay Church

The Cidade de Refugio in Sao Paulo was founded in 2011 by a lesbian couple.

1.

Paulo Whitaker / Reuters

The evangelical church, founded by missionary Lanna Holder and her partner Pastor Rosania Rocha, is the first to serve Brazil's gay community.

2.

Paulo Whitaker / Reuters

Same-sex unions are legal in Brazil, and LGBT Brazilians have most of the same legal rights and protections as straight Brazilians.

3.

Paulo Whitaker / Reuters

4.

Paulo Whitaker / Reuters

5.

Paulo Whitaker / Reuters

6.

Paulo Whitaker / Reuters

7.

Paulo Whitaker / Reuters

8.

Paulo Whitaker / Reuters

9.

Paulo Whitaker / Reuters

10.

Paulo Whitaker / Reuters

11.

Paulo Whitaker / Reuters

12.

Paulo Whitaker / Reuters

13.

Paulo Whitaker / Reuters

14.

Paulo Whitaker / Reuters

15.

Paulo Whitaker / Reuters