I'm Black, I'm a Minister, and I'm Gay

By: Benjamin Carlton

Narrated by: Benjamin Carlton

Length: 11 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

As a proud Black gay minister, Benjamin Carlton gives you a firsthand account of the difficult lived experiences of the intersections of race, faith, and sexual orientation in America.

In 2015, cutting against the grain of an entire culture, knowing all that he might lose, Benjamin made the brave decision to come out as a gay minister on TheRoot.com. Sparking national debate, Benjamin’s story resonated with millions who struggle to accept who they are because of society’s prejudices. For years he prayed earnestly in hopes of God “delivering” him from homosexuality, not realizing that his being gay was all a part of God’s perfect design.

This spellbinding book shatters the myth of the petty, vengeful, fault-finding God and reveals a God who is loving, compassionate, and wants you to win. Through riveting stories of triumph and defeat, Benjamin uses his wit and unfailing humor to take you on his journey of resurrecting unconditional love. The book is written to help those who are struggling to accept themselves or struggling to except those who are different from them. 

Benjamin intends to empower that precious soul that is looking for a path forward that speaks to their identity. If you believe in God but have struggled with your identity simply because you are a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, this book will help you find answers and hope. If you are of the faith and don’t feel right judging your brother or sister for being who they are, this book will help you overcome so many misconceptions with truth and facts.

This book explores:

• The founding of the Black church
• The whitewashing of Christianity
• The start of discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community in the American church
• The journey to gender
• The path to living a free, authentic life
• The celebration of Black queer pioneers

©2021 Benjamin Carlton (P)2022 Benjamin Carlton

perspective over person

I enjoy the narrative and the telling of his story to enlighten others. his depth into the personality of others who aren't trying to tell their truth! I appreciate the telling of his story and his ability to enlighten a world on a truth many have but few world tell

A must!

So many of us who grew up Black and queer in the church know the story that Ben has told in this book. However, don’t get it twisted. This is a book that will entertain, educate, and inspire regardless of who you are, who you love, and how you identify.

This is it!

You know how it is. You want an interesting story. You want to learn something. You want to hear a different perspective. You want a pleasant voice that doesn't distract from the story. (I personally struggle with many voices and find many annoying or distracting, perhaps a side effect of misophonia). This has it all. Being read by the author is an additional treat.. it ADDS to it and truly brings it to life. This book explores moral dilemmas, family dynamics, social relationships, and more. You will cry. You will also laugh. You will see the world around you differently. This is right up there with Michelle Obama's Becoming, though dare I say this has even more depth (not a knock on hers, as I thoroughly enjoyed it, as well. Just different). Very well organized and you will be a different person, regardless of your orientation. This is truly for everyone, but especially for religious people that need to figure how to reconcile their hearts and minds. It's great for allies. It's great for those struggling with their own challenges, not even necessarily LGBTQIA+. It's great for those that grew up in the African American community. It's great for those that didn't. Stop reading my review and have a listen already!

A must listen!

This story of freedom is so powerful. No matter your religion or orientation you find yourself in this story as the author overcomes hurdles, trauma’s, and negativity to become his authentic self.