Women’s Blog Series
“My first in-person experience [at Revoice] in St. Louis was overwhelming. I didn't expect there to be so many men, rooms felt loud, I didn't know who to sit with, and I recall the newcomer breakout session during lunch the first day was a circle of chairs composed of nearly 30 white men. I was enjoying the content of the conference, but felt on edge…
Thankfully I met two other gals that I got to hang out with the rest of the time–that made a huge difference… we have since become friends and keep in touch. But, we literally met over her asking me how I was doing and me saying, "Can I be real for a second? There are so many men here!!”
— Anonymous response to Revoice’s survey to LGBTQ+/SSA women
I think this quote captures what a lot of women have felt at the Revoice conference: There are so many men here! But why? Why is our conference (and our Local Chapters) predominantly male?
This six-part blog series will attempt to explore some of the reasons and ideas for change.
PART 1 |
Can I Be Real For a Second?
Discussed in this blog:
Where we’ve been, acknowledging the historical context of Revoice, the Church, and secular queer spaces.
Where we are, our current society and what it’s like to attend Revoice events as a woman.
Where we hope to go, how we can better empower and support women’s flourishing throughout our movement.
Read the blog here.
PART 2 |
Laying the Groundwork
What are the experiences of LGBTQ+/SSA Christian women?
Why would a space like the Revoice conference be helpful to them?
Why might LGBTQ+/SSA women not be attracted to a space like Revoice conference?
To lay the groundwork for answering these questions, I want to focus on the experiences of Christian LGBTQ+/SSA women and look at the history of why it might be harder for them to reach out to a space like the Revoice conference.
Read the rest of the blog here.
PART 3 |
Room to Burn
Everyone was already singing when I entered my very first Revoice conference.
Notes and voices rose and vibrated through the rainbow of stained glass windows that lined the room until the space was absolutely and completely radiant.
And then there was me, tucked away at the back of the balcony, hands twisting a nametag weighted by a sticker reading LGBTQ+. Looking over the crowd of glowing faces, I couldn’t help but feel some hesitance mix in with my awe.
Most of the spaces in my life have been overwhelmingly female or female-led. This room was the opposite. Sitting up there on the balcony, watching and longing to be a part of the glow, a question began to rise, a question I still ask in Revoice spaces, and I am sure many others ask as well.
Is there room for me here and the light I bring?
Read the rest of the blog here.
PART 4 |
An Invitation to Blessing and Joy
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse…
Except for the Holy Spirit. Girl was making a ruckus!
“Jericho, get up,” the powerful voice said, stirring me from my half-asleep and dazed state, on Christmas Eve 2024. “I have a message for you to give to your brother. He needs to hear from me…
Read the rest of the blog here.
PART 5 |
This one’s for the gay guys:
LET’S STOP MAN-SPREADING ALL OVER REVOICE
TOP 10 WAYS THAT GAY CHRISTIAN MAN-SPREADERS CAN SHIFT THIER POSTURE:
PRAY. We know we need to make our spaces better for women. Jesus knows, too. Ask our Lord to open your eyes and search your hearts.
LOOK AROUND. Who's in this space? Notice who's missing, and ask why.
(and most importantly) STOP TALKING. Or at least so much. LISTEN to the women here. They've been listening to us for a while now; it's time for a posture shift.
(if there are no women here) INVITE SOME WOMEN. You know some. Some of the women you know are queer/SSA. You have the radar, gurl. Use the radar. Communicate to your sisters, "You are wanted here…
Read the rest of the blog here.
— This Blog Series is Written by Women of Revoice
(and One Brother),
With Love for Our Community
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Janelle Look
“As a Care Minister in Los Angeles, I have the unique privilege of chatting with many LGBTQ & SSA folks and hearing their stories. I want to share themes that I've observed. By sharing 'stories from the field' of ministry, I hope that readers will be encouraged and feel less alone in their experiences."
— Janelle
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Johana-Marie Williams
“The Father is in the business of witty inventions, working miracles and providing creativity to solve problems, move hearts, and move mountains. I hope my writing can be a cultivator of that God-given creativity for the building up of the Body of Christ in our Side B context.”
— Johana-Marie
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Bee Bowens
“My deepest hope is that my writing will invite readers to consider the love of Jesus and what it means for each of us. True transformation happens when we let Him into our hearts, minds, and lives—into even the messy or painful parts—so He can show us His love there. I want others to know the precious gift of His love.”
— Bee
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Jericho Noel Sullivan
I am passionate about exploring what healing, joy, and life look like practically for the Side B community—what it looks like to have life-giving relationships with one another, with ourselves, and with God. There is so much more joy promised to us than what we have allowed ourselves to experience."
— Jericho
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Steven Lympus
”I’m inspired to share my story and insights through writing as a way to process my own experiences and, in turn, help others. My hope is that my writing can open up connections and offer encouragement to other Side B folks, especially through meditations on Scripture passages—particularly narratives—from a Side B perspective.”
— Steven