LGBTQ+ Identity is Not a Sin

Some Christian leaders allege that identifying as anything other than as Christian is a “sin.” This is a deeply misguided position. In the same way people identify as mothers or fathers, wives or husbands, Baptist or Catholic, LGBTQ+ identifiers put succinct language to important aspects of the lives of people who have certain attractions and experiences. It does not trump our identity as a Christian, but it does lend a helping hand in telling our stories.

“ LGBTQ+ identity is an aspect of ‘this little light’ that God calls us all to let shine. ”

In the same way a new bride is excited to call herself a fiance and then a wife, our community is excited to share about who they love and how they understand themselves. The new bride is no less a Christian because she acknowledges that she is called a wife, and an LGBTQ+ person is no less a Christian because they identify that they are called LGBTQ+.

We use labels, for good or bad, as a way to communicate what we understand, experience and represent about ourselves and others. LGBTQ+ identity is an aspect of ‘this little light’ that God calls us all to let shine. Under Side A theology, God’s affirmation of LGBTQ+ people is a testament to the fullness of the Gospel and the diversity of the Kin[g]-dom of God. For both Side A and Side B people, to hide their witness and testimony as an LGBTQ+ person may well be inconsistent with their walk with God. Ultimately, what it means to be a faithful follower of God has changed and shifted over time.

In 2019, we highlighted a variety of LGBTQ+ people in our community who, via our Q Chats series, shared from their experiences. The subject of Identity Formation is an important, though often overlooked part of the LGBTQ+ Christian experience. Click here to read their discussion and contributions!