See below for a video of this recent event with authors Brandan Robertson and Brandon Flanery talking about growing up queer in evangelicalism.
Millions are exiting the church, and one of the most salient issues they cite is its treatment of LGBTQ people. Evangelical churches in particular say they are welcoming, but nothing could be further from the truth. Do they actually ask queer people about their experiences?
Authors Brandan Robertson and Brandon Flanery are teaming up in this online Zoom event to gather for a few moments and sort through some of the questions.
- What is it like growing up queer in evangelical spaces?
- What is the “gay glass ceiling”?
- How do you relate queerness to the Bible and your spirituality?
- How can pastors support queer people in their congregation?
- Has there been any progress with whether churches welcome LGBTQ people to preach, lead, teach Sunday school to children, and have the spiritual right to marry?
Brandan Robertson is a noted author, activist, and public theologian, dedicated to exploring the intricate connections between spirituality, sexuality, and social renewal. He serves as the Pastor of Sunnyside Reformed Church in NYC and is also known as the “TikTok Pastor,” with a vast digital reach of over 215k followers and 5.5 million views engaging his inclusive theological digital content. He’s the author of Dry Bones and Holy Wars, Strength in Faith Devotional, and Nighttime Devotional for Teen Boys.
Brandon Flanery is an ex-pastor, ex-missionary, ex-evangelical who writes about the tenuous intersection of faith and sexuality. He’s conducted research on the consequences of beliefs and why people are leaving Christianity. His writings are featured in The Scribe, Baptist News Global, the University of Colorado, and the Colorado Springs Indy, and his debut book, Stumbling: A Sassy Memoir about Coming Out of Evangelicalism, premiered in August of this year. In addition to being a writer, Flanery co-founded the LGBTQ Christian dating app, believr.
Hosted by Lake Drive Books and sponsored by believr, an app where LGBTQ+ people of faith can find connection, belonging, and love.