Queer Religion

Celebrating Black Queer Spaces as Sacred Churches of Liberation and Belonging

Black-queer-only space-making is God’s work, not only because these spaces hold immense significance in the lives of those who inhabit them, but because they provide a sense of belonging and community where individuals can be their authentic selves without fear of rejection. They provide refuge for the marginalized and do more than tolerate; they celebrate how divine it is to be both Black and queer.

Let’s be honest, churches have not traditionally been safe havens for folx who identify as queer, gay, lesbian, bisexual or trans. Many churches are still not safe spaces for folx whose sexual orientation differs from what’s been normed. In fact, many folx who are both Black and queer would tell you that the church is where they have experienced some of their greatest harm. Black queer-only spaces historically developed out of a need to gather safely and a desire to be free in one’s own skin. These spaces provide refuge where Black queer folx can gather without fear of discrimination, judgment, or persecution.

The thing that makes a space queer are the ways in which the spaces are transformed and inhabited by persons who identify as queer. With that being said, any space can be transformed into a queer space so long as queer folx experience sovereignty, power, and freedom of expression.

October is Black Pride month in Baltimore. What I want for any and all Black queer folx this month and beyond is to find spaces that allow you to bring your whole self. Not queer spaces that want you to dim your Blackness or Black spaces that ask you to love quietly.

Black queer spaces are their own sacred church, providing an opportunity for folx to connect with the divine through connecting with each other. Both traditional church and Black queer spaces embrace unique forms of cultural expression. While the form of spirituality and religious beliefs may differ, the essence of seeking a higher purpose, connection, and communal support remains consistent.

Queer Spaces and more specifically Black queer spaces are ones where people gather to praise and lift each other up, celebrate love, and commune with the divine. The music might be different, the attire and other aesthetics differ, but at its core the creation and cultivation of queer-only spaces is God’s Work.

Every “Yaaaaaaaas” is an Amen Every “What had happened was” is a testimony Every compliment and “You betta work” is a praise and every Every scar is proof that whatever tried to come against this queer body failed at breaking it down.