During a poignant moment at the 39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards, gospel singer Kim Burrell sought forgiveness from the LGBTQ+ community for previous comments she had made that many found hurtful. Burrell’s apology came as she accepted the Aretha Franklin Icon Award, a platform she used to address past controversies directly.
“I’ve taken time to reflect on the impact of my words and realize they reached far beyond the gospel community,” Burrell stated. She acknowledged that her remarks might have alienated individuals who felt marginalized by her words, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. Burrell noted, “It’s profoundly painful to think that something I said, intending to express faith, caused pain.”
Burrell also admitted that her “church lingo” might have exacerbated misunderstandings and pledged to foster an inclusive environment moving forward. “Tonight, I hope this moment marks the beginning of building bridges, not just within our church walls but beyond, embracing all of God’s children,” she emphasized.
The controversy surrounding Burrell stretches back to 2017 when she made disparaging comments about the LGBTQ+ community in a sermon, leading to significant backlash including the cancellation of her scheduled appearance on Ellen DeGeneres’ show.
In response to her latest public apology, Darian Aaron from GLAAD recognized it as a positive step but emphasized the need for ongoing efforts toward true inclusivity within faith communities. Aaron’s statement highlighted the challenges faced by Black LGBTQ+ individuals in traditional religious settings, urging for a deeper acceptance and recognition of their identities within the gospel music industry and church communities.
The incident and Burrell’s apology have sparked broader discussions about acceptance and the power of words within influential communities.
Watch a clip of Burrell’s apology below, and read the entirety of GLAAD’s response on their website.
Kim Burrell “apologized” to the LGBT+ community during her Stellar Awards acceptance speech. pic.twitter.com/tF1wzoa0wX
— Smiles in Homosexual Spirit 🫶🏾 (@research_jpg) July 22, 2024
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