Side B Christians
Side B Christians are Christians who identify as LGBTQ or have LGBTQ experiences, but adhere to a non-affirming sexual ethic and thus commit to celibacy or a mixed-orientation marriage.[1][2][3] The term Side B derives from an Internet forum where Side A Christians, with an affirming view of LGBTQ sexuality, were contrasted with Side B Christians. Prominent Side B Christians include Eve Tushnet, a lesbian Catholic based in Washington, DC, and Bekah Mason, executive director of Revoice.[4][5] In particular, Side B Christians reject previous iterations of conversion therapy that falsely promise to change sexual orientation from the same sex to the opposite sex.[6][7] Side B is also distinct from Side Y, which does not affirm LGBT identification.
History
[edit]The distinction between Side A and Side B first took place as part of the Gay Christian Network, founded by Justin Lee.[8][9] Some make additional distinctions, including Side X, representing ex-gay Christians.[8] In 2018, Revoice was launched as a conference for Christians predominantly identifying as Side B.[10] Much of the movement of celibate LGBTQ Christians has its origins in the US evangelical movement.[11]
Prominent Side B Christians
[edit]- Eve Tushnet[12]
- Wesley Hill[13][12]
- Josh Proctor[14]
- David Bennett[15]
- Greg Johnson[12]
- Grant Hartley[12]
- Bridget Eileen Rivera[12]
- Nate Collins[12]
See also
[edit]
References
[edit]- ↑ Urquhart, Evan (2014-07-04). "Meet the B Siders: Celibate LGBTQ Christians". Slate Magazine. Retrieved 2022-06-27.
- ↑ Shirley, Betsy (2016-01-11). "The Gay Christian Network Conference Just Met in Houston. Here's Why That's Significant". Sojourners. Retrieved 2022-06-27.
- ↑ Allen, Mike (2016-06-10). "Celibacy vs. Mixed Orientation Marriage: Is there too much celibacy talk in Side B?". Spiritual Friendship. Retrieved 2024-06-03.
- ↑ Mason, Bekah (3 December 2021). "Side B Christians Like Me Are An Asset Not a Threat". ChristianityToday.com. Retrieved 2022-06-27.
- ↑ "Traditional 'Side B' LGBTQ Christians experience a renaissance". Religion News Service. 2021-11-05. Retrieved 2022-06-27.
- ↑ "On Side B Drama". 9 February 2022.
- ↑ "Gay Christians choosing celibacy emerge from the shadows".
- 1 2 "The Four Sides". Life on Side B. Retrieved 2022-06-27.
- ↑ Pappas, Stephanie (2013-05-23). "How Celibate Gay Christians Deal With Desire". livescience.com. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
- ↑ "Our Mission, Vision, and Values". Revoice. Retrieved 2022-06-27.
- ↑ Worthen, Molly (2016-02-27). "Opinion | Who Are the Gay Evangelicals?". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-06-27.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Post, Kathryn (2021-11-05). "Traditional 'Side B' LGBTQ Christians experience a renaissance". Religion News Service. Retrieved 2022-06-27.
- ↑ mmacdonald (2022-05-12). "Q&A: Episcopal priest Wesley Hill shares what it's like as a celibate gay Christian in a fully LGBTQ+-affirming church". Episcopal News Service. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
- ↑ "Resources". Life on Side B. Retrieved September 11, 2025.
- ↑ Bennett, David (May 31, 2023). "Dr. David Bennett 🇺🇦🇦🇺 on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
Further reading
[edit]- Creek, S. J. (May 2013). "'Not Getting Any Because of Jesus': The Centrality of Desire Management to the Identity Work of Gay, Celibate Christians". Symbolic Interaction. 36 (2): 119–136. doi:10.1002/symb.58.
