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A review by addelalauren
Stranger at the Gate: To Be Gay and Christian in America by Mel White
4.0
~ just realized that I kept forgetting to mark this book as ‘finished’ ~
Considering that popular Christian culture still insists queerness and Christianity cannot/should not co-exist - here and now, in the year of our Lord 2023 - I can’t imagine the sheer courage it must have taken Mel White to have this memoir published in 1994.
It’s disheartening, and infuriating, to read this and to see how much of it is still relevant. How little the American church has changed. But it’s also an inspiring reminder that there will always be people like Mel: people who learn to love and accept themselves, who through their very existence disprove the lie that Christianity and queerness cannot co-exist. They absolutely can. And should. And do. And will continue to, for the rest of time.
Despite the best efforts of the church, we - that is, The Gays™ - will persevere. We will thrive. We will continue to know we are worthy and we are loved; and that we’re worthy of receiving the kind of love we so desperately long for.
Mel White is honestly such a badass, and I’m a little ashamed I didn’t know who he was before picking up this book. His conviction, compassion, and unfailing desire to do the right thing and to love people well comes through on every page. I am extremely glad to have this example of a proudly queer Christian who made the decision to embrace himself and to live his truth fully - even at a time when, again, doing so was more taboo than it is now. He’s been a steadfast advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in the years since writing this book, and again it’s just awesome to see.
Four stars, and I would almost argue this is essential reading for any Christian, whether or not they can personally relate to Mel’s struggles.
Considering that popular Christian culture still insists queerness and Christianity cannot/should not co-exist - here and now, in the year of our Lord 2023 - I can’t imagine the sheer courage it must have taken Mel White to have this memoir published in 1994.
It’s disheartening, and infuriating, to read this and to see how much of it is still relevant. How little the American church has changed. But it’s also an inspiring reminder that there will always be people like Mel: people who learn to love and accept themselves, who through their very existence disprove the lie that Christianity and queerness cannot co-exist. They absolutely can. And should. And do. And will continue to, for the rest of time.
Despite the best efforts of the church, we - that is, The Gays™ - will persevere. We will thrive. We will continue to know we are worthy and we are loved; and that we’re worthy of receiving the kind of love we so desperately long for.
Mel White is honestly such a badass, and I’m a little ashamed I didn’t know who he was before picking up this book. His conviction, compassion, and unfailing desire to do the right thing and to love people well comes through on every page. I am extremely glad to have this example of a proudly queer Christian who made the decision to embrace himself and to live his truth fully - even at a time when, again, doing so was more taboo than it is now. He’s been a steadfast advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in the years since writing this book, and again it’s just awesome to see.
Four stars, and I would almost argue this is essential reading for any Christian, whether or not they can personally relate to Mel’s struggles.