Across the nation there have been recent state constitutional amendments that seek to define marriage as being exclusively between one man and one woman. We also find countless right-wing groups fighting to bar gays and lesbians from adopting children. And let us not forget antagonistic Fred Phelps and his friends at Westboro Baptist Church who have motivated numerous states to pass a ban on pickets near funerals, due to their heartless protests. Further, the debate within the churches continues regarding the ordination of openly gay priests and the officiating of gay marriages/holy unions. Meanwhile thousands of gay Christians, like myself, are just seeking to live our lives and practice our faiths. Where are we to turn?
It is not surprising that the Internet has proven itself to be a refuge for gay Christians. Of course there are ex-gay and hate sites out there, but a thriving online gay Christian community is emerging. Whether you are looking for an affirming church in your area, other gay Christians to chat with, or even a date for this Saturday night it is all there tangled in that wonderfully unorganized space we call the Internet. What follows is a sampling of a few sites that reflect the vastness of cyber-resources available for gay Christians.
ChristianGays.com is a wonderful, multi-purpose resource. The site includes a chat room, countless articles and links, and an online store where you can shop for relevant books and even apparel with rainbow cross or fish insignias. This site is almost like a cross between a mini classroom and a shopping mall.
The Gay Christian Network, available online at GayChristian.net, is another impressive resource. According to the site, it was “designed to be a safe haven and place of fellowship for Christians who identify as gay.” The highlight of the site is definitely its lively online message board with over 3500 registered users where you can chat about everything from current events to theological quandaries (there’s even a board for controversial subjects!). They also feature a weekly radio show (available online or by podcast) that has welcomed guests including Rev. Troy Perry, founder of the Metropolitan Community Church, gay Christian pop duo Jason & deMarco, and Rev. Mel White, author of Stranger at the Gate and co-founder of Soulforce, Inc.
Now, I bet some of you are thinking, “Yay, I can spent my whole life with other gay Christians in chat rooms and on message boards!” Okay, maybe not. That is fun and all, but some genuine human contact is nice once in a while. Yes, there is a life beyond the screen (I have to remind myself that from time to time). Well, last October Gayharmony.net launched as the net’s first website devoted to gay Christians personals and matchmaking. The site now boasts over 1500 members and is growing daily. So, if you are looking for a date to see that special movie with or just want to meet some friends, head on over to GayHarmony.net and take advantage of the free trial subscription.
Now that we are talking about actual human contact, what do you do about Sunday worship, assuming that kind of thing interests you? Most Churches say they are welcoming to everyone but then dish out this “Love the sinner, hate the sin” rhetoric. As Rev. Mel White retorts, “How can you ‘love the sinner hate the sin’ when the [so called] sin is who I am?” If you want to find a truly inclusive and affirming church that accepts you just as you are accepted before God then point your browser over to GayChurch.org where you can browse an easily navigable directory of affirming churches.
With all these resources one has to wonder how long it will be before we will have a website for planning gay weddings, complete with an online storefront, an e-library, a wedding directory, forums, and all those tips you need to actually get through the big day. Well, no need to wait because it is waiting for you at GayRites.net. From chatting, to dating, to getting hitched the Internet has it all. The day is approaching, however, when gay Christians will no longer be forced to turn to the Internet for refuge, but will be welcomed into churches everywhere with no disclaimers and absolutely no strings attached. Until then, let’s click away!
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Justin R. Cannon is the founder of TruthSetsFree.net, an affirming outreach to gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgendered Christians and is the author of “The Bible, Christianity, and Homosexuality,” a booklet available through his ministry. He also runs Gayharmony.net.
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