Holy Queer: The Coming Out of Christ is a book by Rev. Karmen Michael Smith. It is a work of Black queer theology, memoir, and prophetic Christian witness rooted in the Black church and the lived experience of Black LGBTQ+ Christians.
Rev. Karmen Michael Smith is a Black queer theologian, cultural critic, preacher, author, and public voice on faith, identity, justice, and the Black church. He is also the author of Stranded and The 4 Laws of Disruption. His full biography is at KarmenMichael.com.
Black queer theology is theological reflection rooted in the lived experience of Black queer people. It brings together race, sexuality, gender, faith, church, liberation, survival, and divine image. It asks what God is doing in the lives of people who were often formed by communities that later struggled to bless them fully. See the full Black Queer Theology page.
No. Holy Queer is especially rooted in Black queer Christian experience, but it is also for churches, families, pastors, theologians, students, seekers, and anyone wrestling with faith, belonging, and the meaning of divine love.
The subtitle points to a theological idea: Christ is revealed among those the church has hidden, buried, or refused to fully see. Coming out becomes a resurrection image — not merely an identity announcement, but an unveiling of truth, body, wound, glory, and new life.
Holy Queer is grounded in the Black church experience. It critiques the Black church from a place of deep formation and love, especially its pattern of relying on queer gifts while resisting queer wholeness. It is testimony from inside the house, not accusation from outside.
Holy Queer: The Coming Out of Christ was released February 23, 2023 by Poor Culture Press. See the full public timeline.
Yes. Use the contact form or email info@poorculture.com to request sermons, keynotes, panels, interviews, workshops, or podcast appearances. See the Events page for speaking topics.
Holy Queer is available in print, ebook, and audiobook formats through Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Audible, and other booksellers.
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Available in print, ebook, and audiobook formats.