Gospel singer Yolanda Adams is once again stirring up conversation in the church world thanks to an all-new interview. In it, she discussed the Black church and the homophobia that’s often displayed and trust us when we say…the Saints are feeling some type of way about it.
Suggested Reading
When it comes to speaking out about the gay community and its relationship with the Black church specifically, Adams has made it clear where she aligns, even going so far as to distance herself from other folks in the gospel industry who espouse homphobic rhetoric like she did in 2016. What’s more is that in November 2025, Adams had the internet in a tizzy after she seemingly referred to God as a “she” which once again put her at odds with some Christian believers.
Now, it looks like she’s about to be facing some criticism once again thanks to a recent interview she did on the The Clay Cane Show, where she addressed the homophobia that’s present in the church and questioned why people would want to “hurt” or be discriminatory towards “anything God loves.”
Noting that there have been plenty of Black LGBTQ people in the church for years, Adams explained: “Listen, I am 64 years old. I have seen everything in the church. And again, it has everything to do with the way you were nurtured. My family nurtured us to believe and know that everyone that gets to this earth got here because they are God’s children. And why would you want to ever hurt anything that God loves?”
According to a 2014 PEW Research report, 62 percent of all U.S. congregations allowed openly gay or lesbian couples to become members. However, that doesn’t mean those LGBTQ+ members necessarily feel accepted by other congregants as less than 40 percent of them believed they could be “open about their sexuality in their primary faith community,” especially when it comes to Black LGBTQ folks.
And it’s that inherent homophobia, acceptance and respect that Adams is making sure people get called out about. She went on to say that she had “cousins” and “dear friends” across different industries that are part of the LGBTQ+ community and that she’s never looked at them as anything other than “beautiful people.” She then said that God isn’t taken aback by people who are gay and that people should learn to respect them.
“It is not my job ever to hurt anyone or debase anyone because of who they are. God is not surprised by anyone he created. He knew who you would be before your mom and dad even got together. So why am I disrespecting what God respects and loves?” she explained.
Naturally, once her words went viral and began to make the rounds on social media–some folks were quick to disagree.
“I believe the ministry has the mandate to speak truth, which is what the world hates and people in the ministry too.. It is a sin that is not acceptable, and Yolanda better tell the truth. God does not tolerate sin. Yes, love everyone most definitely, and the word is clear in Romans 1 about all sin. Go back and read it. Yolanda Adams has a track record of avoiding the truth. Human intellect will go so far,” wrote one user in part on YouTube.
“Is it homophobia OR adherence to to biblical principles/scriptures,” questioned another.
“Smh y’all love the grace of God but won’t follow his word,” said one person on Instagram.
However, there were a handful of others who felt like the “Open My Heart” singer’s words were a much needed message.
“I love me some Yolanda Adams! So beautiful, talented and has been so authentically supportive of anyone who is human. She has never fallen into the religious psychosis that teaches hate and intolerance,” wrote one user on X/Twitter.
“Yolanda Adams is the realest. But not everyone is gonna understand or see her perspective on this topic and that’s okay. Not everyone is mature enough to understand or come to terms with this day and age. But I stand with Yolanda,” one other person said.
Added another: “‘Why would you ever want to hurt anything that God loves’ that is so powerful? I’ve always liked Yolanda Adams. Although I don’t really understand gay people that want to stay in religion it’s not for me but I have a lot of respect for those that respect queer folks in the church.”
Straight From 
Sign up for our free daily newsletter.