Outsider Within: Examining Homosexuality and the Black Church on YouTube

<p>The discourse on homosexuality is by no means new. However, within the last several years we have seen an increase in the drive towards marriage equality. That drive coupled with technological advances has allowed people to take their conversations into new venues. Historically closed institutions such as churches have always had opinions on homosexuality yet the conversations stayed within the church or at the very least within the community. The increase in participatory media outlets such as Facebook, MySpace and YouTube has taken the dialogue surrounding homosexuality and the role of religion in assigning rights and worth outside of many private institutions including the Black church, making it part of public discourse. </p><p>One of the places this dialogue can be found is YouTube. Serving as a platform rather than just a destination for social engagement, YouTube allows people to give life to their own conceptions from the convenience of home, opening up the possibility of global discourse. This opportunity to share your thoughts with the world is significant when looking at the Black church and homosexuality. The Black church has traditionally been a closed institution serving the needs of mainly Black people. The shift to public mediated outlets as a way to express oneself has altered the idea of what is appropriate to discuss in public and what remains inside of the Black community. YouTube helps to chart a generation of people whose civic participation challenges the conservative traditions of Black churches as well as demonstrates an inevitable progression in thought. </p><p>My paper explores the myriad of public opinions on homosexuality and the Black church, using YouTube as the medium for discovery. Through analysis of video clips and comments, I explore the unique relationship between the Black church and homosexuality while analyzing the cultural and social significance of the Black Church as well as homophobia within the Black community.</p><p>My research shows that the Black church operates out of: a conservative stance on issues surrounding gender and sexuality. I argue that this stance is both outdated and neglects the reality of the population of most Black churches. My analysis of YouTube shows that there is a grassroots movement to challenge the traditional teachings of the church on homosexuality. The larger public dialogue demonstrates: that despite the church’s teachings there are many people who 1) disagree with theological teachings and interpretations of homosexuality, 2) do not view homosexuality as a threat to the Black community or the Black family and 3) acknowledge the conflict between the dual identities that Black LBGT people have. The church needs to engage in a discourse that celebrates diversity and empowers LGBT people to embrace and claim all aspects of their identity.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Bachelor of Arts

Level thesis:degree_level

bachelors

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Women's and Gender Studies

Grantor dc:publisher

Ohio University Art and Sciences Honors Theses

Year dc:date

2010

Author dc:creator

• Pierce, India R.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Stokes, Dr. Patricia

• African Americans
• African American Studies
• Biblical Studies
• Black Studies
• Ethnic Studies
• Gender Studies
• Glbt Studies
• Minority and Ethnic Groups
• Religion
• Womens Studies
• sexuality
• sexual orientation
• Black church
• homosexuality
• Black lesbians
• YouTube
• homophobia

Statement dc:rights

• unrestricted
• This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ouashonors1291590348

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:etd.ohiolink.edu:ouashonors1291590348