Black Gays + Gospel + Church = ?

There have been primarily two responses to the recent drama created by the Bishop Alfred Owens. Our take was to consider the impact of the pastor's schoolyard bullying—preaching against gays is one thing, but using the pulpit to spew words like "faggots" or "sissies" is a quantum leap. Others, like blog buddy Keith, took issue with the congregation's considerable numbers of black gay men and demanded action as opposed to the "sin of the silence."

An article in the latest edition of Identity—the new, Chicago-based magazine on black and Latino gay issues—explores why some gay black men remain in otherwise hostile church homes. E. Patrick Johnson is a Northwestern professor who is writing a book on the history of black gay men in the south: "The choir in the black church has always been a place where gay men could show off their virtuosity while exploring their sexuality. It was a place where we could safely express our queerness in covert ways while taking pleasure in pushing the gender limits."

Many cannot comprehend why black lgbt would remain in such a hostile environment. Johnson argues that many remain to slowly press for change—"finding ways to exist within it." He also says something that we've heard when friends have attended our church, which is the United Methodist or the UCC. "Most blacks I know say they don't do it for them—they are affirming but they don't have the spirit that we need as part of the black church experience."

In other words, the music and the choir are nowhere near as good as the Missionary Baptist churches that we grew up in. Okay, we admit that. But why, pray tell, with so many gay-friendly yet traditional black churches—like Unity Fellowship or the fabulous Tabernacle Baptist in Atlanta—would they remain in the enemy camp? A few answers in the article.

Out at CHM: Gays and Gospel (Identity)

Bishop: "No Faggots or Sissies" (Rod 2.0) Are We Not Men? (Keith Boykin) Another Pastor Gone Bad (Jasmyne Cannick) Wilson's Controversial Sermon (Rod 2.0) Rev. Willie Wilson Outed (Keith Boykin) A Conversation with E. Lynn Harris (Rod 2.0) "We Don't Feel Welcome There" (Rod 2.0) Gays and Black Church (Rod 2.0) "I'm Their Guy" (Rod 2.0) Kirk Franklin on Gays (Rod 2.0) AOL on Gays and the "Black Church" (Rod 2.0) Black Church, Gay Parishoners (Rod 2.0) Rev Kev Interview (Rod 2.0) All in the Family (Rod 2.0) A "Gay Friendly" Voice (Rod 2.0)

Comments

[Dr Snacks]

I love this stuff. All they're doing is pushing more people away from the church, which is doing them a favor.

[greg]

I can certainly identify with being a church sissy. Then I got a little too old for that church, found a good church.

Good article, thanks. You're always on it.

[Derrick from Philly]

Very interesting article about why black gays (many of whom are very openly "gay") stay in the black church with anti-gay preachers and congregations. It's almost as though they accept a 2nd class citizenship within the black community. And some them are very hostile toward openly gay black folks who are not part of the church crowd. They feel we act "white" or are too influenced by white gay culture. No, my church "sisters", this queen just prefers Billie Holiday to Clara Ward, that's all. Actually, I do love the music of Mahalia Jackson, Alex Bradford and James Cleveland; but I can't love these church "children" and their primitive view of what it means to be "in the life". They think it's all about their "sinful" sexuality and once they repent (really repent at age sixty something)Jesus will forgive them for all their years of homosexual abomination. But it's not just their sex lives, dammit. Nigg, I mean, black folks "read" them for the same reasons they "read" me: the way we walk, talk, mannerisms, speech sound. But let these church "children" have their fantasies...let them believe it's only a matter of time before they give up the dingdong and form a more perfect relationship wit' da Lawd. When I'm alone, I believe in Jesus, when I'm around these church "children" I believe in VOODOO. Oh, great and powerful Papa Legba.

[Madelena P.]

I just ushered at a gospel concert last month and was astounded by the high percentage of gay men in the audience, considering all the homophobic vituperation I'd heard from certain clergy at our fair city's Gospel festival.

I used to work with a closeted choir leader many years ago and mistakenly thought his situation was an isolated phenomenon. My experience at the concert last month and subsequently finding this blog have been enlightening.

When Wanda Sykes said "gay is the new black," I just had to wonder what gay and black is. Just somewhat seriously, have any of you choir guys considered bringing your artistry to your local Buddhist temple? We could use some of that voltage, and you won't be dealing with the judgment here.