Side B Christian
Side B Christians are Christians who identify as LGBT, but take a traditional view of human sexuality and thus remain celibate.[1][2] The term Side B derives from an Internet forum where Side A Christians, with an affirming view of LGBT 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.[3][4] In particular, Side B Christians reject conversion therapy.[5][6] Side B is also distinct from Side Y, which does not affirm LGBT identification.
History
The distinction between Side A and Side B first took place as part of the Gay Christian Network, founded by Justin Lee.[7][8] Some make additional distinctions, including Side X, representing ex-gay Christians.[9] In 2018, Revoice was launched as a conference for Christians predominantly identifying as Side B.[10] Much of the movement of celibate LGBT Christians has its origins in the US evangelical movement.[11]
Prominent Side B Christians
- Eve Tushnet[12]
- Wesley Hill[13]
- Josh Proctor[14]
- David Bennett[15]
See also
Further reading
- 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 – via JSTOR.
References
- 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.
- Mason, Bekah. "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".
- "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.
- "The Four Sides". Life on Side B. Retrieved 2022-06-27.
- "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.
- "Traditional 'Side B' LGBTQ Christians experience a renaissance". Religion News Service. 2021-11-05. 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.
- "Our Team". Life on Side B. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
- Bennett, David (May 31, 2023). "Dr. David Bennett 🇺🇦🇦🇺 on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved 2023-06-12.