GLAAD Responds To Kim Burrell’s Apology To LGBTQ+ Community

GLAAD has responded to Kim Burrell’s apology directed toward the LGBTQ+ community . In a statement released on Wednesday (July 24), the non-profit advocacy organization explained the on-stage moment as “the first step toward full accountability.”

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“Black LGBTQ people who remain in traditional faith communities are very familiar with the anti-LGBTQ rhetoric Burrell and others have espoused throughout her career. We are well-versed in the “lingo and jargon” of Black church culture and a gospel music industry that benefits from our gifts but demands us to be silent about our truth, which is in alignment with the presence of God in our lives,” elaborated GLAAD Director of Local News: US South Darian Aaron.

“From the pulpit to the pews—Black LGBTQ people are integral to the Black church and gospel music experience. Burrell’s speech is evidence of a tipping point where Burrell, the Black church, and the gospel music industry can recognize and accept us all as people of faith and as worthy of Black liberation as anyone else. The gospel industry and all who produce, enjoy, and celebrate it must see Burrell’s first step as an opportunity to embrace inclusion over exclusion to benefit all in the community who demand safety, justice, and freedom.”

The apology from Burrell came as she accepted the Aretha Franklin Icon Award at the 2024 Stellar Awards last weekend. According to the GLAAD website, before the ceremony, the organization and Houston-based LGBTQ, HIV, and faith leaders addressed Burrell’s record with her, her team, and Don Jackson, CEO of the Stellar Awards.

This conversation is described as intended to urge public recognition of the harms, and action for next steps to be a bridge-builder instead of an agent of division contributing to the further marginalization of Black LGBTQ people.

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Per GLAAD, the singer was criticized in 2017 for preaching that people who “play with” homosexual sin would “die from it.” The fallout from the controversial moment included a scheduled appearance on the Ellen Show being canceled as well as Burrell’s radio program.

“Being different comes with controversy, and fortunately, it comes with community. I’d just like to leave you with these thoughts— I have, over the course of time and with much soul-searching, come to fully understand the reach and impact of my voice beyond Gospel music. There is such a care to take when you realize you’re not just preaching to the choir anymore,” admits the 51-year-old.

“You know, we have a church lingo. We have a church jargon that everybody doesn’t get. And sometimes you have to say it for the people in the back. And for that, I want to apologize to the LGBTQ community. Let’s give them a great big round of applause. We want them to have strength and to sincerely know that we must all do the work to embrace all of what God’s people—and show forth his love to everyone.”

The 39th annual Stellar Awards are set to air on August 3 at 8 p.m. ET and again at 11 p.m. ET. The program will also broadcast the following day on BET at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Watch a clip of Kim Burrell’s acceptance speech below.

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