It’s June 1969 and a riot breaks out in New York over police injustice toward the gay community, the trans community and to people of color. The moment was called Stonewall and it began the change of everything for LGBTQ+ rights in America and across the world. Just two years later, it’s October 1971 and a small church congregation forms in Fort Lauderdale, Florida to give LGBTQ+ people a place to safely express their faith and fight against injustice. The moment was called The Sunshine Cathedral. This week the mayor of Fort Lauderdale, Dean Trantalis, who is a member of the LGBTQ+ community, celebrated this 50 year milestone as Sunshine Cathedral has become the largest queer church in the world. Trantalis presented the church with a proclamation from the city celebrating the milestone. Trantalis talked about the importance of Sunshine Cathedral for LGBTQ+ people including services of food need, HIV/Aids, trans programs, and so much more. Trantalis stated to a world-wide broadcast that “Sunshine Cathedral is my queer church” to wild applause. The senior minister Rev. Dr. Durrell Watkins told those at the anniversary celebration about the history of LGBTQ+ church and religion in America. Watkins focused on a major theme as he tells members “God Is Queer.” (WATCH THIS) He then walks the congregation through an explanation of Sunshine Cathedrals mission and why the church embraces the queer designation. We have included highlights of this 50th anniversary message on “God Is Queer.”
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