Gay black pastors

This post was originally published on New York Amsterdam News. Last May, two successive gatherings occurred in the neighboring African nations of Uganda and Kenya less than 24 hours apart. Delegates came from throughout the African continent and the global West, including donors, faith-based leaders, nonprofit representatives, and government officials from Uganda, Kenya, Egypt, and the Gambia, among scores of others. These two events represent a growing and existential threat to Africans who self-identify as queer on a continent where 31 of 54 nations legalize varying forms of oppressive restrictions on being openly so.

Bishop Eddie Long pastors a huge church near Atlanta. He's also one of the most homophobic black ministers in America. Despite this affinity for sweaty, macho men, Long is one of the most virulently homophobic black leaders in the religiously based anti-gay movement. The audience, seated in a congested sanctuary, erupts in laughter.

She called this love spiritual; she remembered wanting to be just like this woman, but also loving her. Either that or she was no longer alive. Written by the founder, Bishop Barbara Caesar-Stephenson, the statement of purpose can be found on the back of every bulletin and on their website welcoming all races, identities, and other demographics. In it, the church vows to be a place of healing and peace.

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