The Brazilian Church Where Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual And Transgender Believers Feel Welcome

Brazil Pastor Wants To Know: 'Why Can't I Be Gay And Christian?'
A man cover his face with a scarf with the colors of the gay movement during a protest against the homophobic comments of presidential candidate Levy Fidelix, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2014. Fidelix a minor character in Brazil's election race faced a firestorm of criticism on Monday after saying during a presidential debate that the country needs to stand up against gay people who should receive psychological help far away from the general population. The comments drew no reaction from the leading candidates during the nationally televised debate late Sunday. But online and on social media tens of thousands of people denounced Fidelix as homophobic and hateful. (AP Photo/Nelson Antoine)
A man cover his face with a scarf with the colors of the gay movement during a protest against the homophobic comments of presidential candidate Levy Fidelix, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2014. Fidelix a minor character in Brazil's election race faced a firestorm of criticism on Monday after saying during a presidential debate that the country needs to stand up against gay people who should receive psychological help far away from the general population. The comments drew no reaction from the leading candidates during the nationally televised debate late Sunday. But online and on social media tens of thousands of people denounced Fidelix as homophobic and hateful. (AP Photo/Nelson Antoine)

From the outside, there is little to distinguish the Metropolitan community church from the many other evangelical houses of worship in Rio’s Zona Norte. But as Marcos Lord prepares for an evening sermon, it soon becomes clear that this church is not like the others.

It takes the pastor about an hour to prepare for the pulpit: donning false eyelashes, a wig and a pair of vertiginous heels to transform himself into the drag queen Luandha Perón. In a country where evangelical Christians have become increasingly influential – and outspoken in their homophobia – the church provides a space for gay, bisexual and transsexual believers.

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Rev. Dr. Nancy L. Wilson

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