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
editThe 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
editReferences
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".
- ^ "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.
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 – via JSTOR.