"Religion and Sexuality" by Kristin Russo

The world is changing. Times are changing. Society is changing. People are changing. The LGBTQIA+ plus community has been a big change for people to come to terms with and understand. Some are open to it, others are shut off from it. A BIG adversary we tend to see to the LGBTQIA+ community is the church. However, in Kristin Russo's short PBS interview with The Reverend Broderick Greer called "Religion and Sexuality" we see a person who bridges the gap between these two communities.

I think the best way to categorize this text would be an on camera interview. I have seen many interviews like this in the past, whether it be on the Today Show or Dateline, but usually they are a little longer. I enjoyed how this interview was short and sweet, but also effectively got to the point. The vibe I get from this video is honestly really positive. Just looking at the title of the video gave me a negative connotation. Usually when the church and sexuality are discussed at the same time, it tends to go south very quickly. However, I was surprised by this video in a good way, and it gave me hope for the future. Being a member of the church, I do believe I am a part of the intended audience for this text. I believe the intended audience is not only people who are religious, but people who are exploring their sexuality. I believe this text could leave out people who do not care about this issue, or are completely opposed to the LGBTQIA+ community. Contrary to popular belief, the church is supposed to be a place where all are accepted, welcomed, and loved for who they are. This text is trying to express this thought and give people an example of someone who is blazing their own trail in the church. I think that our current social and political climate definitely prompted this text. It is time to do away with the old, conservative view of religion, and get back to religion founded on loving first. The main speaker of this text is Broderick Greer, although the author, Kristin Russo adds in some commentary along the way. My biggest take away from this video is that although it seems that there are no churches or religions in America who accept the LGBTQIA+ community, there are a few out there who are doing the right thing and loving first before judging. This text gave me hope for a brighter future where religion is not seen as the "big bad wolf" constantly judging people, but a place where people can feel comfortable and accepted.