Many queer people in the African-American community attend churches that refuse embrace their sexuality; and in many instances preach against it. What ends up happening is that there are a number of queer people in the church who either stay in the closet, secretly step out of their heterosexual relationships, or internalize hatred and inflict it on others because of the lack of support. And while it would seem that the church is the place that should support you the most, many people (especially youth) are forced to hide who they really are.
In stark contrast, Washington Post writer Darryl Fears recently wrote an article on a church in Washington D.C. that is a safe haven for queer people of color. Bishop Rainey Cheeks of Inner Light Ministries is a church pastor who is himself gay, and uses the church to not only promote the love of God, but also to affirm and encourage queer youth, and those living with HIV/AIDS. What is most compelling about this is that while there are many inclusive and “welcoming” churches across the nation, they are predominantly white. Not many include the music, tradition, and fellowship many have come to find in the Black church. Bishop Rainey is using his own experience to encourage others, and to fuse together elements of historically Black churches with a progressive and positive way of understanding the Bible. WORD.
