Navigating Faith and Identity: The Journeys of Seventh-Gay Adventists

For many, faith and identity are deeply intertwined, forming the bedrock of personal belief and community belonging. But what happens when these two fundamental aspects of self seem to exist in tension? This is the complex landscape explored in the award-winning documentary, Seventh-Gay Adventists. This powerful film offers an intimate look into the lives of three Seventh-day Adventists who are also navigating their identities as gay and lesbian individuals, revealing the profound questions and emotional journeys that arise when love, faith, and community collide.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church, with its global reach and strong emphasis on community and doctrine, presents a unique context for individuals exploring same-sex attraction. For many within this insular, close-knit community, the discovery of being gay or lesbian can feel like a solitary experience, often leading to feelings of potential loss and even exile from the very spiritual home they cherish. The film doesn't shy away from this reality; instead, it delves into the raw, moving narratives of those who are striving to reconcile their deeply held Adventist beliefs with their authentic selves.

Stories of Courage and Conflict

At the heart of Seventh-Gay Adventists are three individuals whose stories encapsulate the challenges and hopes faced by many. We meet David, a young man whose family holds prominent leadership positions within the church. David's personal journey is marked by a profound love for Jesus and a desire to live in accordance with his faith, yet he also grapples with romantic feelings for another man. This internal conflict is amplified by the church's official stance, which, for many like David, creates a significant hurdle to full acceptance and peace. He describes a poignant dilemma: he loves Jesus, but fears his identity might bar him from heaven, and he also loves Colin, a reflection of his desire for genuine connection.

Another compelling narrative belongs to Marcos, a former Seventh-day Adventist pastor from Brazil. Marcos once had a life that seemingly embodied his calling - a wife, children, and a fulfilling ministry. However, his journey took a drastic turn when he was outed and subsequently removed from his pastoral role. His story is one of resilience, self-acceptance, and the pursuit of a life where his identity and his faith can coexist. After moving to the Bay Area, he found love again and is now working to secure asylum for himself and his son, highlighting the severe consequences of homophobia in his home country.

Completing this trio is Sherri, a lesbian mother from the Midwest. Sherri, along with her partner Jill and their two daughters, navigates the delicate balance of maintaining her Adventist faith while ensuring her children can grow up within their shared beliefs. This often means adopting a lower profile at church, quietly building alliances, and facing the ever-present tension of potential rejection. Her desire is for her family to find belonging, even as she understands the church's complex position.

The film captures their struggles to integrate their identities, their love, and their beliefs, portraying their journeys not as a simple dichotomy, but as a complex process of seeking a place of wholeness and acceptance.

Reconciling Faith and Identity: A Deeper Look

The Seventh-day Adventist Church officially holds a position that is not supportive of same-sex relationships. This doctrinal stance can create immense pressure for members who identify as LGBTQ+. The documentary highlights the reality that discovering one's sexual orientation within this community can lead to difficult conversations, internal wrestling, and, for some, estrangement from deeply valued relationships and institutions.

Key themes explored in the film include:

• The impact of attempting to change one's sexual orientation, as seen with David's five-year experience in 'ex-gay' therapy, which ultimately proved unsuccessful and often damaging.
• The search for spiritual community that is both affirming and aligned with Adventist heritage, as exemplified by David finding an open alternative church for fellowship.
• The fight for acceptance and the desire to serve within the church, as evidenced by Marcos's story and his longing to pastor again.
• The challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and their families in maintaining their connection to the church while living authentically.

One of the film's strengths lies in its ability to foster empathy and understanding. It's a testament to the power of sharing personal stories, allowing viewers to witness firsthand the human element behind theological debates. As retired editor of the Adventist Review, Dr. William Johnsson, noted, the film can 'do much to make Adventists more compassionate in this controversial area.' This suggests a potential for dialogue and a softening of stances, moving towards greater grace and understanding.

Finding Grace and Belonging

The journeys depicted are not just about struggle; they are also about hope, resilience, and the enduring power of faith. By choosing to live authentically and share their experiences, individuals like Sherri, David, and Marcos are not only transforming their own lives but also actively contributing to the evolution of their communities. They are calling forth core Christian values of love, compassion, and grace, prompting reflection and potentially paving the way for greater inclusivity within the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Pastor Ray Dabrowski, who formerly served as the communication director for the General Conference, offered praise for the documentary, calling it a "must-see" and thanking those involved for their "grace and generosity" in shining a spotlight on these crucial issues. This sentiment underscores the film's potential to serve as a catalyst for positive change.

The documentary itself has been met with significant discussion and debate, having been screened at over 70 venues across North America to audiences totaling nearly 14,000. Its availability for private purchase and download signifies a commitment to reaching a wider audience and continuing the conversation around faith, identity, and acceptance.

Ultimately, Seventh-Gay Adventists is more than just a film about a specific religious group and its LGBTQ+ members. It's a universal story about the human desire for connection, belonging, and the courage it takes to live a life that is true to oneself, even in the face of significant challenges. It invites us all to consider how we can foster more compassionate and inclusive spaces, where individuals are not forced to choose between their deepest beliefs and their truest selves.