Gospel star Seth Pinnock comes out as gay

Seth Pinnock, a prominent figure in the black Christian gospel scene and founder of gospel choir and youth orchestra renowned by the Tony Blair Foundation, has publicly declared that he is gay. His announcement has brought to light a generational divide within evangelical churches, potentially signalling a transformative period regarding attitudes towards sexuality.

Pinnock, 35, known for his contributions to gospel music and the black Pentecostal church community, shared his struggles with depression, anxiety, self-hatred, and drug addiction due to viewing his sexuality as sinful. “I experienced profound mental health challenges believing what I felt was sinful,” Pinnock revealed.

Earlier this month, Pinnock turned to social media to share a poem he wrote, declaring himself as “Black, Queer, Christian, Here.” The feedback he received varied sharply between generations: while older members of the community responded with pain, younger Christians, particularly from Generation Z and younger millennials, were supportive.

“I grew up in the black Pentecostal church; it was my entire world—my income, my leverage, my influence, my community, my family. Revealing this truth was no small decision for me, considering potential personal and professional ramifications,” Pinnock explained.

Known within his close circles, his sexuality had long been an open secret, managed under a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. Despite the challenges, Pinnock decided it was time to live authentically, concluding a five-year journey to embrace and publicly acknowledge his true self.

Throughout his life, Pinnock faced threats of “eternal damnation” and was subject to harmful comparisons and allegations, including being likened to paedophiles and accused of demonic possession. He also underwent conversion therapy, which did significant emotional and mental damage, driving him towards drug addiction as a means of escape. He has been clean for seven years, crediting progressive pastors with helping him reinterpret scripture as an issue of justice and equality.

“I now live in the light and not in the dark. The moments of joy have made the journey worthwhile,” said Pinnock.