To commemorate World AIDS Day, Marble Collegiate Church will present “I Am What I Am: Queer, Questioning & Christian” on Thursday, December 1 at 7 p.m.

As part of Marble Church’s ongoing Racial Justice Series, Michael Anderson, Adjunct Professor at The New School and Union Theological Institute; Rev. Shawn Torres-Anderson, Associate Pastor of Operations at Bethany Baptist Church in Newark, N.J.; and Sonya Shields, social justice and LGBTQ+ advocate, will participate in a conversation focused on the stigma that follows people of all generations living with HIV/AIDS. The conversation will celebrate queer resilience and the assurance that all people are created in God’s image. Special musical performances will honor all the lives lost to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

“On World AIDS Day at Marble Church, we will hold space to honor those who lost their lives as a result of HIV/AIDS. We are thankful for the medical advances that now help millions of people lead long, productive lives after being diagnosed with HIV. However, we realize that HIV/AIDS still exists, and it continues to impact Black Americans disproportionately at staggering rates, bringing with it the stigma that society often casts on same-gender-loving individuals. At Marble, we affirm that we are all God’s children. No matter who you love, your health status or your belonging to any other community that society marginalizes, you are worthy of love, care and dignity. ”— Rev. Rashad McPherson, Associate of Ministry and Music, Marble Collegiate Church

This free event is sponsored by GIFTS, Marble Collegiate Church’s LGBTQ+ Ministry, which celebrates 30 years of welcoming the LGBTQ+ community, its families and its allies. Open to all, this hybrid event will take place in person in the Marble Collegiate Church Labyrinth Room, 1 W. 29th Street, and will stream live at MarbleChurch.org.

About Marble Church: Marble Collegiate Church has stood on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 29th Street since 1854, with its ministry dating back to 1628. This vibrant, Protestant church (affiliations with The Reformed Church in America and The United Church of Christ) is a community where all of us are encouraged to become our best selves and serve New York City and the world.

1 West 29th Street Map
212-686-2770