Bayard Rustin at the Intersection of the Black Church, the LGBTQIA+ Community, and Public Policy

The intersection of faith, public policy, and LGBTQIA+ advocacy within the context of the Black Church is a dynamic and multifaceted area of study. This paper proposal aims to explore the challenges faced by the Black Church in advocating for the rights and well-being of the Black LGBTQIA+ community. From the perspective of a Black cisgender gay theologian, we will critically analyze public policies, evaluate advocacy strategies, and delve into the profound influence of Bayard Rustin’s Quaker faith on his work. Additionally, we will imagine how Rustin’s approach to community organizing and LGBTQIA+ rights might have evolved in the late 20th century and beyond.