Many Christians have been taught that it is impossible to be both LGBT+ and a follower of Jesus. A majority of Christian denominations globally oppose LGBT+ rights in both the Church and society, and they do it on the basis of their Christian faith. But is this a legitimate reason for opposing the rights of LGBT+ people to be treated as equals in world? Over the past few years, there has been a resurgence of LGBT+ Christian voices offering various perspectives on Christian theology and doctrine that open up the doors of the Church to fully embrace and include sexual and gender minorities.
As a Christian theologian, seminarian, and openly queer individual, I have spent countless hours over the past five years studying scripture and the Christian tradition trying to understand what God desires for those of us who were not born heterosexual. Last year, after much study and prayer, I came out in an article in TIME Magazine as queer for the first time, because I was convinced that my Christian faith and interpretation of the Bible led me to fully embrace sexual and gender minorities as equal, beautiful children of God.
My coming out cost me a book deal with a Christian and an immense amount of rejection from my evangelical community, but I don't regret it for a second. I have been so honored to get the chance to participate in a reformation and revival taking place within Christianity as the Church continues to awaken to the knowledge that LGBT+ people are vital participants within the Kingdom of God. We have seen countless churches "come out" as affirming. Countless leaders declare there support for our rights as equal members of society. And while there is still a lot of work to be done, I am incredibly hopeful for the future of Christianity as it relates to LGBT+ inclusion.
I wanted to share my theological journey with Christians of all backgrounds to help challenge them using Scripture, on their position about LGBT+ inclusion in the Church and society and to encourage those who may be wrestling with reconciling their faith and sexuality. Below you will find a brief overview of my theological perspective for the full inclusion and acceptance of sexual and gender minorities. It is my sincere prayer that Christians will take time to watch this video and prayerfully consider how they relate to and what they believe about sexual and gender minorities.