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CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Churchgoers

Posted for a friend:

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Churchgoers

I am in the midst of a research project that asks how black LGBTQ (hereafter "queer") people construct, synthesize and/or resist black church theology of which they are a part/member. Because of this, I will be conducting interviews the summer of 2006 with approximately 15-20 black members of the queer community questioning their relationship to the church.

Interviewees will be granted anononymity and will NOT need worry regarding their name, church affiliation or any key identifier to be revealed. The purpose of the interviews will be to gather information of theological constructions, not personal data. I will be following the Emory University IRB standards for this work.

Identifiers will vary: ages 20-40, black, male or female, queer identified, from historically black denominational affiliations, etc.

Questions regarding identity formation, theological orientation, role within the church, social and theological view of sexuality will be the basis for the discussion/interview.

Some questions that will be explored:
Do you know of “radically inclusive” communities, which serve to give voice to the queer community?

Is black religious practice self-discipline or self-mortification? Is the church the “…place where [we seek] to prove [ourselves] worthy of this silent God’s love?”

How are black religious practices the locus of communal- and/or self-restriction?

Do you know anyone that may be interested in being interviewed? If so, please have them email me at atcrawley@theregen.net. Detailed information will be given out via email and most interviews will be completed via phone or face-to-face. If you have any questions, please email me.

Kind regards,

A Thomas Crawley

Posted by Rashid on March 13, 2006 10:44 PM