There is No One “LGBTQ+ Lifestyle”

The LGBTQ+ community is not a monolith. Despite what many conservative Christian leaders may assert, there are multiple theological views on LGBTQ+ sexuality and identity that seriously value Scripture and Christian teachings. Being LGBTQ+ has nothing to do with a “lifestyle”–it is a holistic experience of sexuality and gender that impacts every part of one’s life.

Our community has historically adopted the terminology of ex-gay/Side X, Side B, and Side A to describe a few of the most common theological viewpoints about LGBTQ+ people. 

Q Christian community members hold a variety of theological positions and sexual ethics along the spectrum of what have been referred to as “Side B” & “Side A” theologies. Some may find that their personal theology fits somewhere in-between these definitions.

As an organization, Q Christian believes God affirms same-gender relationships as well as trans and gender-expansive identities. We believe that a personal call to celibacy, as Jesus affirms in Matthew 19:12, is to be honored, and we affirm that mandated celibacy is harmful for LGBTQ+ people for whom that is not their personal call. For more on this, visit our FAQ!

A theology of affirmation is possible. To learn more and engage with the passages of Scripture often associated with the exclusion of LGBTQ+ identities, check out our LGBTQ+ Theology 101 resource.

Even upon reaching a place of full affirmation, there are many decisions around sexual ethics that LGBTQ+ Christians must determine. Many of those within our community embark on a journey of determining, testing, reassessing their values, actions and relationships, as they aim to fulfill the call of loving God, loving neighbor and walking humbly with God. To consider these concepts in community, join a Community Group studying our Sexuality and Spirituality Guide. Signups for our summer groups open on May 10th. Click here to learn more about our Community Groups!