Slate Daily Feed Death, Sex & Money | “The Lord Is My Shepherd and He Knows I'm Gay”
Nov 25, 2025
Lynne Gerber, a religious studies scholar and host of the podcast series 'When We All Get to Heaven,' explores the rich history of the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) in San Francisco. She recounts her discovery of archival tapes that document the church's role as a sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community, especially during the AIDS crisis. The conversation delves into MCC's founding vision, Troy Perry's charismatic leadership, and the church's unique rituals that foster belonging and resilience in a disconnected world.
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Ritual Spaces Build Resilience
- The MCC tapes reveal how ritual and regular gathering created resilience during crisis.
- Lynn Gerber argues ritual spaces sustain connection beyond activism and practical organizing.
Tapes Discovered Under The Floor
- Volunteers found boxes of cassette tapes under the MCC San Francisco sound-room floor.
- Lynn Gerber cataloged them and used the recordings to reconstruct the church's history.
Troy Perry’s Founding Moment
- Troy Perry founded MCC to let queer people worship openly and proudly.
- His memoir title captured that frank theology: The Lord Is My Shepherd and He Knows I'm Gay.
