For generations, the Black church has been a cornerstone of resilience, community, and empowerment, serving as a sanctuary for African Americans facing systemic oppression. Rooted in liberation theology and social activism, it has played a crucial role in social movements and cultural identity. However, while the Black church continues to be a source of strength, it also mirrors the complexities and contradictions of the communities it serves. Nowhere is this tension more evident than in its treatment of Black Christian men who have sex with men (MSM)—individuals who often experience faith-based exclusion, stigma, and rejection. This book critically examines how traditional religious beliefs and Eurocentric interpretations of Christianity have shaped the Black church’s attitudes toward homosexuality, creating an environment where Black MSM struggle to reconcile their faith, race, and sexuality.
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Using Critical Race Theory, Minority Stress Theory, and Intersectionality as analytical frameworks, this research explores the historical, social, and theological factors contributing to the marginalization of Black MSM. Through qualitative interviews and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the book amplifies the voices of those directly impacted by religious exclusion, revealing the spiritual, mental, and behavioral consequences of their experiences. Themes such as family expectations, leadership hypocrisy, and the need for church reformation emerge, highlighting both the pain and resilience of Black MSM navigating these spaces. Ultimately, the book not only critiques but also offers a vision for change, outlining strategies for theological reeducation, leadership accountability, cultural competency, and LGBTQ+ inclusion within the Black church. As the institution stands at a crossroads, this work calls for an urgent shift toward radical inclusivity, reaffirming the church’s foundational mission of justice, love, and liberation for all.
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Before establishing himself as a scholar, Dr. Dontá authored a fictional series that explored the love and challenges of an affluent Black gay couple. One of the books, The End of the Rainbow, was adapted into the feature film Thirty, which is available for streaming on Watch VIM.
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Tyrin Chase and Khalil Alexander have built a life that many envy—a stunning beach home in Malibu, thriving businesses, luxury cars, and, most importantly, a love that seemed unshakable. They are the epitome of success, the ultimate Black gay couple, surrounded by a loyal circle of friends who believe in their commitment. Determined to prove that love between two men can withstand the pressures of the world, they hold fast to their dreams of forever. But one unexpected phone call shatters their seemingly perfect world, unraveling a web of betrayal, heartbreak, and unexpected spiritual revelations.
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As their relationship crumbles, the aftermath ripples through their tight-knit community, testing friendships, challenging faith, and forcing everyone involved to confront uncomfortable truths. The prayers of a mother are answered in ways no one could have predicted, and just when it seems that the storm has passed, new revelations force Tyrin and Khalil to face the ghosts of their past.
Now on separate paths, Khalil is attempting to embrace a new life, committing himself to his faith and forging a relationship with a beautiful woman. Yet, despite his best efforts, he remains blind to the truth that everyone else sees—his heart still belongs to Tyrin. Meanwhile, Tyrin, having learned from his past mistakes, is determined to move forward. But the love he once shared with Khalil lingers, and when the moment is right, he is ready to make his feelings known—regardless of the opposition from those around him.
As old wounds resurface and buried emotions rise to the surface, both men are forced to ask themselves: Does love truly conquer all, or are some relationships doomed to fade away? When past mistakes collide with present desires, the drama reignites, forcing Tyrin and Khalil to make choices that will forever alter the course of their lives. Will they find their way back to each other, or is the end of the rainbow truly where their love story ends?