“Stranger at the Gate: To Be Gay and Christian in America”
Mel White
Plume 1995, 368 Pages

At A Glance: In “Stranger at the Gate: To Be Gay and Christian in America,” Mel White shares his personal journey as a closeted gay man within the Christian right, revealing the struggles and hypocrisies he faced before embracing his identity as both gay and Christian.

Overview: “Stranger at the Gate: To Be Gay and Christian in America” by Mel White is a gripping memoir that reveals his journey as a gay man within the Christian right. Highly regarded by religious right leaders for his work, including ghostwriting for Jerry Falwell and collaborating with prominent figures like Pat Robertson and Billy Graham, White’s true identity as a gay man was unknown to them. The book recounts White’s struggle for acceptance in his church, detailing years of counseling, exorcism, and near-suicide attempts due to the condemnation of homosexuality. Ultimately, it’s a tale of finding salvation in being openly gay and Christian, while also providing an insider’s look at the workings of the religious right, offering a warning against the politics of hate. This powerful narrative combines personal revelation with a broader critique of religious and political agendas, making it a thought-provoking read.

Also by this author: “Clobber the Passages: Seven Deadly Verses“

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