Category Archives: Sexual orientation

Reflecting on Black Sexualities, Black Religiosity, & Black Lives in Anti-Black Times

These reflections were first shared on October 20, 2014 at the Columbia University conference, “Are the Gods Afraid of Black Sexuality? Religion and the Burdens of Black Sexual Politics,” and published in TheFeministWire.com Seventy-three days ago, Mike Brown, Jr., an …

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Posted in Blog, Bullying/violence, Community questions, Gender, Sexual orientation, Theology, Transgender, Youth and young adult | Comments Off on Reflecting on Black Sexualities, Black Religiosity, & Black Lives in Anti-Black Times

Confessions of a Beauty Queer: Saying Goodbye to Denial

Everyone keeps asking me, “What was it like navigating the pageant world as a queer woman?” I’m honestly not sure what answer anyone is looking for, but the answer I have is simple: It wasn’t like anything. Why? Because I …

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Posted in Blog, Family, Gay/lesbian, Sexual orientation | Comments Off on Confessions of a Beauty Queer: Saying Goodbye to Denial

Why I became honest about my truth as a Black, gay preacher

The Christian faith is about love and justice, but talking about life and light from the dark space of a closed closet would only perpetuate death. My words would be weakened if I weren’t honest about my own truth.

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Posted in Blog, Bullying/violence, Gay/lesbian, Sexual orientation, Share your story, Theology | Comments Off on Why I became honest about my truth as a Black, gay preacher

A changed heart

The history described, of a written conversation with a friend about United Methodist and Biblical language about same sex unions and marriages is factual. A recent conversation with that friend, has led me to write this “imaginary letter” that he …

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Posted in Blog, Gay/lesbian, Opening to change, Sexual orientation, Straight allies | Comments Off on A changed heart

A Letter to Queer Christians

I was moved to rage during a particular worship moment several years ago. I sat on the pew in disbelief while the rest of my sisters and brothers in the congregation were ecstatically offering praise to God. It happened when …

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Posted in Blog, Church leaders, Gay/lesbian, Sexual orientation, Straight allies, Theology, Transgender | Comments Off on A Letter to Queer Christians

Making black history for gay rights

  Last spring when President Barack Obama announced his “evolving” support for marriage equality, many conservative groups were confident it would woo black voters to their side and ultimately deliver a death-blow to the president’s reelection bid. They, as is …

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5 tips to begin welcoming gay/transgender people in the church

Perhaps you love your congregation, but you’re troubled or hurt by its failure to acknowledge and affirm the presence of gay and transgender (LGBT) people. You know the church is failing in its mission to welcome all, but it’s hard …

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Posted in Bullying/violence, Children, Church leaders, Congregational life, Family, Gay/lesbian, Gender, Hospitality, Opening to change, Sexual orientation, Transgender | Comments Off on 5 tips to begin welcoming gay/transgender people in the church