WATCH: Gospel Singer Tonex on Black Church's Hypocrisy on Gays

More on the story of Tonex, the Stellar Award-winning gospel singer/songwriter and minister who recently confirmed his long-rumored sexuality becoming the first to do so in black gospel music and shattering its well-guarded glass closet doors. Tonex addresses his critics in a new video interview with Atlanta-based blogger and activist Darian Aaron.

Tonex says: "Every person has to come to terms with their own self in their own time. I still am. Day by day I am getting 'deprogrammed' by someone's else's second-hand information or someone's archaic interpretation. I'm just getting to know God for myself and know that He loves me, I am able to be free of who I am as a person."

Tonex says the black church and gospel industry are "full" of gay men and responds to the so-called Christians who called him derogatory names, such as gospel singer Deitrick Haddon : "Now, officially, I am a grown azz man. You can't be a 'sissy' or a 'punk' when you're being honest. That says a whole lot about the person. ... Everyone in the church isn't being honest."

The San Diego-based minister adds that many church folk are "no longer speaking" to him but he is getting support from many others. Darian adds: "I believe his story has the ability to empower the black LGBT community or anyone who identifies as LGBT and is struggling to reconcile their sexuality with their faith."

Here, here. Too bad so many others in the black church will not preach or cannot hear that same message. PART ONE of the three part interview, WHEN YOU JUMP. Full interview at LOLDARIAN.

Test your broadband speed

Comments

[Former COGIC]

i am so happy for Tonex. i am glad he is finding himself. so of us never do and stay in those antigay churches all of our lives. the closet kills mind, body and spirit!

thank you tonex!

[TheRevKev]

THIS IS MY BROTHER!

Tonex hosts "LIFTED," which I produce on BETJ. I knew he was struggling mostly because he started out very hot and cold with me. We clicked instantly and then he withdrew. I think the level of my "out"ness might have shaken him (which happens with a lot of brothers who may or may not know but then flip out/trip out/slip out/tip out when I publicly converse with a dude or something that they might not have expected).

But he came to our 7th Anniversary Gala last year and REALLY anointed the building with a talent, a voice, a conviction that was so palpable that I have been praying for this day and these conversations to come since then.

Tonex is a masterful singer, an appointed preacher and a REAL BROTHER. I hope to work with him on something really important soon, so be on the look out!

THE REVOLUTION IS ABOUT TO BE TELEVISED!

[Barry S]

So Tonex cannot say "gay", it's SGL, same gender loving and same sex attraction. And he 'still' has feelings for women? Does he still have sex with them?

Okay ...

[Shaun]

GREAT INTERVIEW!!

[Faison]

***waving church fan***

That's right, Rev Kev, let the healing begin! And I am so very pleased Tonex says 'Day by day I am getting 'deprogrammed' by someone's else's second-hand information or someone's archaic interpretation.'

Throw the shackles off of your minds, black gay men in the black church! it is OK to be GAY!

[Ravenback]

Again. I applaud Tonex for his courage in coming out.

[W. Lotus]

Barry S, I prefer the term "same sex loving" after hearing Bishop Yvette Flunder (Senior Pastor of City of Refuge, UCC) use it during her guest sermon at my church for Pride Sunday a few years ago. I prefer it to gay/lesbian; it covers people of either sex/gender. And if he is also sexually attracted to women, it simply means he's bi. That's nothing I'd raise my eyebrows at.

I'm glad Tonex is finding love, acceptance, and encouragement as he learns to truly love who he is!

[Diva1961]

I hope that Tonex continues his wonderful path to enlightenment. It can be long and or confusing, but as he becomes "deprogrammed" he will see his path much clearer.

He is learning to walk pass his "haters" and see how they are in bondage. It is easier to see others shackles when we have the opportunity and faith to release ours.

This includes the hater Roland Martin who tried to throw shade at Tonex right before his interview with Rev Kevin Taylor on Friday on the Tom Joyner Morning Show. By the way RevKev you sounded great and I was very proud of you giving historical references and other pertinent points that most "religious" people never research, but simply enspouse.

Rod did you hear that interview about Homosexuality and the Church this past Friday? I believe Tom Joyner and his crew was surprised by the amount of hate that came forth when he received text responses about the interview. The fact it was directed towards a man of God was horrible. It made Jay say that the people who responded needed to go to church, even though they called themselves "so-called" church folk.

[Diva1961]

I meant "religious" people who enspouse rhetoric, as opposed to researched facts without understanding the evolution of the bible from a histrorical perspective, i.e. chapters being removed by Constantine for politcals reasons,and King Henry the 8th creating the Church of England because the Catholic church wouldn't give him a divorce from his wife so he started his own church. Most hateful "religious" people know little about the history of religon, yet are allowed to lead and the sheep are following to the slaughterhouse of hate. It is a version of neo-nazism and the kkk. Hate is learned, not part of one's DNA. It is nurture, not nature.

[DW Jazzlover]

Respect!

[Luther]

I don't know who he is as I have long since left the black church and don't follow gospel music, but, good for him for telling it like it is in the real world, not the building fund world or pastors appreciation world. Maybe he will open that door for the others....

I just happened to watch Bobby Jones this morning before heading out on my errands, and, everyone one of the men in the choirs you could tell were 'family' and, I thought to myself, they are praisng God in song, and, will then sit back and get deaf to the gay bashing's when they are at their home church, all I could think of is why??

[DESHAW]

THE BLACK PULPITS ARE FULL OF GAYS ,MARRIED AND SINGLE.. AND ABOUT NOW I'M SURE SOME ARE SCARED

A LOT OF THESE MEN COUNSELED WITH TONEX..

or whatever. LET THE CHURCH SAY AMEN,,AT LEAST HE IS FREE

[Ravenback]

@ Luther

You hit the nail dead on the head.

[Jessie/Treasure/NotNecessary/etc]

[CLOSETED GAY and MCCLURKIN TROLL]

Some "straight" guys watch football on Sunday nights.. Others troll gay blogs. Do you like the pics, hon? -RM

[Former COGIC]

HEY MISS JESSIE!

Do you really think black gay men "want" big ole rolly polly Donnie McClurkin? Really?

Big ole Donnie don't even want big ole Donnie. He likes them young pretty church bwoyz.

ARE YOU ONE OF THEM?!

[Juno]

We are very hard on ourselves the black LGBT. World over.
@ Luther ...I ask myself the same question? Why? I've seen this in South Africa, probably even worse in the UK and of course the U.S. It is true, the church, the choirs and and worship teams are populated by repressed queens. Anyway good on you Tonex!

I for one am inspired.

[kayman]

It's good that he has come to terms with himself and is continuing to speak out. Also congrats to Reverand Kevin Taylor on TJMS. I heard the interview Friday morning, and was proud of the valid evidence in your argument. More religious people need to stop judging and realize that the Church is for everyone.

[Clay]

Thank God someone has finally stood up and said that which is already apparent. Tonex all the way, much respect. The church wants folk to sing like angels (mostly gay) but get rid of them out of the church....whatever! I refuse to let "church going folk" decide my belief in God and prevent me from getting my blessing. Look at your own "backdoor!"