For many of us who grew up in the church, our experience as sexual or gender minorities was not well understood. Our difference set us apart, making it difficult at times to know how to forge a path forward. It wasn’t until my senior year of college that I met any Christian LGBTQ mentors. They were all individuals I met at an ex-gay ministry (where a college counselor had referred me). They guided me in the same way their own mentors had—toward sexual orientation change efforts. While I eagerly worked the program, I became increasingly depressed when that change did not occur. After several years of running on that treadmill, I was left with no other option but to gather a few peers who also knew we needed another path. When we started the celibate gay movement, we had no role models. And several years later, when I became theologically affirming of same-sex relationships, I still had no role models in my life.
It’s not that Christian history does not have such role models. But, I didn’t know about them in my corner of the world. Curating a library of resources concerning this history is one endeavor that the Bakos Project hopes to undertake. But for now, I have started a blog series entitled “Uncommon Saints,” where I introduce you to Christian LGBTQ folk who deeply love Jesus, people like Tim Otto, Pauli Murray, B. T. Harman, Candace Hardnett, Matthew Vines, Amie Tyler, and many others. By starting the Bakos Project initiative, Sally Gary and I also hope to serve as role models for the next generation. Watch the Bakos Project blog for profiles of Uncommon Saints, and access the full archive. May your heart be encouraged and your faith strengthened.