The Spiritual Life with Fr. James Martin, S.J. A Black, gay Catholic priest on living authentically
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Feb 24, 2026 Bryan Massingale, a Black, openly gay Catholic priest and theology professor known for racial justice and LGBTQ advocacy. He discusses living with compound identities, the costs and grace of coming out, loneliness and rejection within the clergy, why he stays in the church, and spiritual practices like journaling and music.
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Parishioners Worry About Photos Not Profile
- Bryan tells of an Associated Press visit where his Harlem congregation worried more about how they'd look in photos than about his being profiled as a black gay priest.
- The anecdote illustrates broad lay acceptance contrasted with clerical discomfort in his ministry context.
Clerical Rejection Outweighs Lay Pushback
- Bryan says most painful rejection came from bishops and fellow priests who feared association, not from laity.
- He links this to stigma around gay identity and a culture where clergy worry about appearances and gossip.
Global Coming Out After Hearing Stories Of Persecution
- At a Global Network of Rainbow Catholics meeting Bryan felt compelled to speak after delegates from dangerous contexts urged him to use his voice.
- He began by announcing he came as a black gay priest, then his talk was translated globally and widely shared.
