Seth Pinnock, a prominent black Christian gospel star, has shared his coming out story, revealing that reconciling his sexuality with his Christian faith led him to depression and self-hatred.
Earlier this month, the 35-year-old singer shared a poem on social media declaring he was “Black, Queer, Christian, Here.” His tweet reached almost 6,000 people.
He told The Guardian that the reaction was “painful,” though he found solace in the support of younger people who were “super onboard.”
Pinnock also shared that he spent many years hating himself for his sexuality and trying to “pray this away,” even undergoing conversion therapy. Eventually, he found pastors who “helped me unlearn and relearn scripture, and to see this as a justice issue. I realised this was bigger than me, and that my platform could help change the trajectory of someone’s life.”
He believes the response for that younger generation signals a shift in the black Christian community.
“Younger people are listening to movements that are more inclusive. Will black churches continue to be as influential on younger people? No. Will they continue to be the north star? No.
“There are hundreds of thousands of young people who will now feel they can too be free. I know of churches that are already beginning to discuss LGBT+ issues because of my action,” he added.
Pinnock is now part of a documentary challenging harmful theological doctrines and is working on an initiative to deter youth crime. He is also collaborating with the NHS and Terrence Higgins Trust to raise awareness about rising HIV rates in London, particularly among black and brown communities.