Side B Christians are Christians who identify as LGBT or have LGBTQ+ experiences, but take a traditional view of human sexuality 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 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.[4][5] In particular, Side B Christians reject conversion therapy.[6][7] Side B is also distinct from Side Y, which does not affirm LGBT identification.

History

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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.[10] In 2018, Revoice was launched as a conference for Christians predominantly identifying as Side B.[11] Much of the movement of celibate LGBT Christians has its origins in the US evangelical movement.[12]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Urquhart, Evan (2014-07-04). "Meet the B Siders: Celibate LGBTQ Christians". Slate Magazine. Retrieved 2022-06-27.
  2. ^ 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.
  3. ^ 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.
  4. ^ Mason, Bekah (3 December 2021). "Side B Christians Like Me Are An Asset Not a Threat". ChristianityToday.com. Retrieved 2022-06-27.
  5. ^ "Traditional 'Side B' LGBTQ Christians experience a renaissance". Religion News Service. 2021-11-05. Retrieved 2022-06-27.
  6. ^ "On Side B Drama". 9 February 2022.
  7. ^ "Gay Christians choosing celibacy emerge from the shadows".
  8. ^ "The Four Sides". Life on Side B. Retrieved 2022-06-27.
  9. ^ Pappas, Stephanie (2013-05-23). "How Celibate Gay Christians Deal With Desire". livescience.com. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
  10. ^ "The Four Sides". Life on Side B. Retrieved 2022-06-27.
  11. ^ "Our Mission, Vision, and Values". Revoice. Retrieved 2022-06-27.
  12. ^ Worthen, Molly (2016-02-27). "Opinion | Who Are the Gay Evangelicals?". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-06-27.

Further reading

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