About
OneNabi
Pamela R. Lightsey
Leading the protest against Black LGBTQ discrimination at the United Methodist Church 2016 General Conference.
Interview for the 2015 documentary, “An Act of Love.”
Public theologian. Reverend. Unabashed fighter for justice.
Rev. Dr. Pamela R. Lightsey is a public theologian who advocates for oppressed Black, Brown, lesbian, gay bisexual, queer, transgender and poor people. She has stood shoulder to shoulder with activists around the country demanding the end to discrimination. Her political activism spans several decades beginning with her embrace of the ‘60s and ‘70s Black Power Movement to her most recent protests against the Trump administration for its ethically recalcitrant positions that harm citizens in America and abroad. As the first out African American queer lesbian ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, Dr. Lightsey continues to demand the denomination end its discrimination against LGBTQ persons.
Dr. Lightsey’s theological expertise is in African American religious history, queer theory and theology and classical just war theory. She enjoys interpreting complex ideas through her writing, which she crafts to make accessible to many. Her publications have been read in Ivy League, private and state universities. Congregations have engaged her writings in weekly studies and she is often humbled to hear that pastors have quoted from either her academic or social media writing.
A highly sought out speaker, Dr. Lightsey brings to the fore her zest for learning and her professionalism as a senior administrator in theological education. When asked what was her favorite part of a keynote address, she responded, “The Q&A. It’s more conversational and allows me to also ask questions.” This website is where she asks questions and reflects upon the complexities of life.