“Many LGBTQIA+ people feel that Christianity has abandoned them. In their pursuit of leadership and through their encounters with intolerance, the heroes of this film radiate qualities that arguably make them the authentic heirs of modern Christianity: faith, hope and love.”

 

First Release

2016

 

Updated RELEASE

2020

 

Director

Amanda Bluglass

 

Producer

Aden Hakimi

 

running time

60 minutes

Out of Order is a groundbreaking feature documentary revealing the complex and painful struggles faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQIA+) faith leaders as they confront entrenched bigotry and work to build loving support within their churches.

Many queer individuals  have quickly learned that rule changes don’t guarantee true welcome in their churches.

In spite of growing fear and suspicion toward LGBTQIA+ individuals, and transgender people in particular, a new kind of spiritual leader and movement for welcome is beginning the delicate work of winning acceptance beyond the wedding chapel.

The leaders of this movement are young LGBTQIA+ people of faith claiming a place in their church pulpits — and recognition in the everyday moments of church life.

The film draws timely attention to the joyful experiences and complex struggles of queer young people, the need for greater awareness and understanding of bisexuality, and the growing visibility of transgender individuals, offering a unique perspective on a trans person of faith.

Out of Order offers audiences a glimpse into what it looks like to navigate the reality of gender transition and lived sexual identity as a person of faith.

 

Context

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer families in the United States have won many secular and cultural victories in the last several years, but progress toward equality and acceptance has been slow within the Christian community.

Some Christian denominations have rejected the movement toward equality for LGBTQIA+ people in sacred spaces. Others have accepted structural changes that have created, to varying degrees, space for LGBTQIA+ families in church life and embraced marriage equality.

In response, conservative activists are increasingly rallying support for state and local bills designed to restrict the rights of LGBTQIA+ people.