The long answer, many Queer Folx have been subjected to non-affirming religious spaces that have enforced the belief that God and “Gay/Queer” cannot coexist. Family and other folks in the community may have reinforced this message. Hearing these messages can negatively impact how we feel about ourselves, our identities, and our overall sense of belonging, value, and worth.

Church Hurt is a culmination of these painful experiences at the hands of the church, its messages, and/or its members. Exposure to Church Hurt, aka “religious trauma,” may pull us away from connecting with our Higher Power and our communities and have us exist in a continued state of rejection.

The sting of rejection or conditional acceptance from those who should offer unconditional love compounds the complexity of religious trauma, making the yearning for genuine belonging even more intense. Recognizing this pain is the first step toward healing and finding peace within oneself because your faith and queer identity are integral parts of who you are. 

Being a Black Queer Christian is undeniably possible, and beautifully so. The intersection of your faith, sexuality, and racial identity enriches your perspective, enabling you to experience the world and the divine in a deeply meaningful way. Embarking on the path of reconciling your faith with your LGBTQ+ identity is a testament to the courage and strength within you. Reconciliation is not about compromising your authenticity but about allowing your faith and queer identity to illuminate each other, creating a path of understanding, acceptance, and profound spiritual fulfillment.

In treatment, we work towards liberation from religious trauma and re-establishing spirituality and faith on your terms. As Queer Folx, we, too, deserve to experience and have access to God’s (Higher Power) love. F**k any institutions that tell us otherwise!