Side B Christians Explained

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

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]

Prominent Side B Christians

• Eve Tushnet^[13]
• Wesley Hill^[14]
• Josh Proctor^[15]
• David Bennett^[16]

See also

• Christianity and homosexuality
• Ex-gay movement
• Christianity and sexual orientation
• Homosexuality and religion
• History of Christianity and homosexuality
• Queer theology
• The Bible and homosexuality
• Side A, Side B, Side X, Side Y (theological views)

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 . 10.1002/symb.58 . JSTOR.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Urquhart . Evan . 2014-07-04 . Meet the B Siders: Celibate LGBTQ Christians . 2022-06-27 . Slate Magazine . en.
2. Web site: Shirley . Betsy . 2016-01-11 . The Gay Christian Network Conference Just Met in Houston. Here's Why That's Significant. . 2022-06-27 . Sojourners . EN.
3. Web site: Allen . Mike . 2016-06-10 . Celibacy vs. Mixed Orientation Marriage: Is there too much celibacy talk in Side B? . 2024-06-03 . Spiritual Friendship.
4. Web site: Mason . Bekah . Side B Christians Like Me Are An Asset Not a Threat . 2022-06-27 . ChristianityToday.com . 3 December 2021 . en.
5. Web site: 2021-11-05 . Traditional 'Side B' LGBTQ Christians experience a renaissance . 2022-06-27 . Religion News Service . en-US.
6. Web site: On Side B Drama . 9 February 2022 .
7. News: Gay Christians choosing celibacy emerge from the shadows .
8. Web site: The Four Sides . 2022-06-27 . Life on Side B . en.
9. Web site: Pappas . Stephanie . 2013-05-23 . How Celibate Gay Christians Deal With Desire . 2023-06-12 . livescience.com . en.
10. Web site: The Four Sides . 2022-06-27 . Life on Side B . en.
11. Web site: Our Mission, Vision, and Values . 2022-06-27 . Revoice . en-US.
12. News: Worthen . Molly . 2016-02-27 . Opinion Who Are the Gay Evangelicals? . en-US . The New York Times . 2022-06-27 . 0362-4331.
13. Web site: 2021-11-05 . Traditional 'Side B' LGBTQ Christians experience a renaissance . 2022-06-27 . Religion News Service . en-US.
14. Web site: 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 . 2023-06-12 . Episcopal News Service . en-US.
15. Web site: Our Team . 2023-06-12 . Life on Side B . en.
16. Web site: Bennett . David . May 31, 2023 . Dr. David Bennett on Twitter . 2023-06-12 . Twitter . en.