It was Christianity that demonized gay people."Īs Johnson puts it, "You can't throw a shoe back through history without hitting gay and lesbian women and even transgender singers." Flunder once said during a 2010 interview that gospel choirs "always" have been havens for LGBT people: "In our indigenous expression, that wasn't a problem. Johnson and others believe that modern gospel music itself is largely defined by the artistry of black gay men.īishop Yvette Flunder of Oakland, Calif., is openly gay and the founder of The Fellowship, an organization of black pastors and churches openly welcoming of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members. "But a lot of these choirs or choir directors, or ministers of music, will not be open about their sexuality for fear of repercussion from their pastors and church members, but they allow the church to exploit their talent," says Johnson, also a Northwestern University professor whose expertise includes black studies and sexuality. Patrick Johnson, who is openly gay, says modern gospel music is largely defined by the artistry of black gay men.ĭrew Alexander/Courtesy of E. It all happens under an unspoken "don't ask, don't tell" custom that allows gay people to be active in the church, though closeted, and churches to reap the benefits of their membership.Į. The virtuosity of gay singers, musicians and composers has been the driving force in developing popular gospel choirs - even chart-topping, Grammy-winning acts - that make money for a church, help expand congregations and raise the profiles of pastors. Some say pastors' hostility cuts hard against the history of how countless black churches have flourished. Last week, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People passed a resolution endorsing same-sex marriage as a civil right to be protected by the U.S. Wooden helped lead the recent campaign that outlawed gay marriage in his state. Patrick Wooden, senior pastor of the Upper Room Church of God in Christ in North Carolina, said on NPR's All Things Considered. "This particular decision I find appalling, and I could not disagree with the president more on it," the Rev. Most polls show African-Americans evenly divided about gay marriage, but the vocal opposition, led by preachers, has gained more attention. President Obama's recent announcement that he supports same-sex marriage turned the spotlight on reservations many blacks harbor about gay rights. Wiley, pastor of Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ I do believe a certain hypocrisy is there. Persons who are in the closet serve on the deacon boards, serve in the ministry, serve in every capacity in the church. "I do believe a certain hypocrisy is there." Wiley is a prominent advocate of gay marriage. Wiley, pastor of Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ in Maryland, says of black churches. "Persons who are in the closet serve on the deacon boards, serve in the ministry, serve in every capacity in the church," the Rev. Some male pastors themselves have been entangled in scandals involving alleged affairs with men. While many black pastors condemn gays and lesbians from the pulpit, the choir lofts behind them often are filled with gay singers and musicians. And the fact that they often hold leadership positions in their congregations is the worst kept secret in black America. Yet the presence of gays and lesbians in black churches is common. The Apostolic Tabernacle Mass Choir performs in Oakland, Calif., in 2010.Ĭhristopher Polk/WireImage via Getty Imageįairly or not, African-Americans have become the public face of resistance to same-sex marriage, owing to their religious beliefs and the outspoken opposition of many black pastors.