“When you stand courageously, you give people permission to do the same,” Vanzant said. “And if these men aren’t clean within themselves, with God, there’s no way that they can be guiding and supporting and directing people.”Īfter Pastor Derek’s sermon where he discussed his sexuality, Vanzant said they received about 20 letters from congregants also revealing they were gay or struggling with dealing with their sexuality. “The pastors’ stories touched me because they have an opportunity to touch so many people’s lives, and people to go to church, particularly the black church, seeking a level of solace and guidance and direction,” said Vanzant, who is an ordained New Thought minister.
The reason for the three parts, Vanzant said, was to show the steps required for both the person coming out and the people they’re coming out to.
