African American Roundtable

"Historically, African American churches have not dealt with human sexuality in a positive light. Our theologies are often negative about sexuality—particularly homosexuality—and this contributes to a fear of sexuality and destructive understandings of masculinity and femininity.

"We hope that the work of the African American Roundtable can lead to a radical transformation of thought and understanding in African American communities."

—Johari Jabir
Director of the African American Roundtable Project
for the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry

The African American Roundtable brings together African American gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender religious scholars and leaders in order to explore issues at the intersection of race, sexuality, and religion.

The African American Roundtable Participants come from a variety of backgrounds and traditions.

Chicago held the second national "Souls a' Fire Conference" on June 23-25, 2005 – find out more

"Souls a' Fire Conference 3" was held April 27-28, 2007 in Philadelphia.
Learn more about Souls a' Fire 3

Explore more:

African American Convening 2008

Black Queers Can't "Leave it to Beaver": An article by Rev. Irene Monroe on the 2005 "Souls a' Fire Conference."

Cross Purposes: A Perspective on Gays' and Lesbians' Uneasy Relationship with the Church, by the Rev. Yvette Flunder [PDF format]

African American Welcoming Churches: Listing of affirming churches by State

Bibliography: Recommending reading

Souls 'a Fire! Conference 2003: A national conference of African American lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender religious leaders and scholars exploring issues of race, sexuality, and religion.

Articles and Papers from the African American Roundtable conferences and participants.

Our thanks:

The African American Roundtable Project was made possible in part by generous grants from the San Francisco Foundation and the Walter and Evelyn Haas, Jr Fund.