In this roundtable discussion, Ryan invites 3 Black, queer therapists to get to the bottom of why dating is so difficult for Black, queer men and what can be done about it. They cover kink and sex positivity, judgment and self acceptance, communication skills, monogamy and non-monogamy, and a number of other topics that are constantly trending in dating conversations.

Get to know each of the guests by finding them across social media:

Araya Baker, M.Phil.Ed

Dr. Matthew Brinkley, PsyD, LMFT

Erick Nuñez, LCSW

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I sat with Episcopal Priest Father Paul Anthony Daniels II to learn about his journey in becoming an out gay priest and the adversity I assumed he had to overcome in achieving that. What it turned into was a much different conversation than I'd planned about what queerness can grow into when it's supported and affirmed early, and without the inherited, internalized judgment and homophobia that many of us deal with in our coming out journey.

A lot of this conversation shifted some assumptions I had and I'm really glad Fr. Paul was able to share some really crucial details about his upbringing and experience with me.

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In this episode of Important Context, Ryan Sides sits down with Pastor Mike Walrond, Senior Pastor of First Corinthian Baptist Church in Harlem, to ask a foundational question: Is there biblical justification for queer people belonging fully in the church — without framing queerness as sin?

Pastor Mike traces how his theology evolved from an anti-queer upbringing and the culture he encountered early on, toward a more ethically consistent, deeply studied, and radically affirming approach to ministry. He shares pivotal moments that reshaped his thinking — including the difference between allowing presence and truly offering equitable access to leadership, dignity, and belonging.

Together, you dig into church hurt, deconstruction, and what it means to seek spiritual community after harm. Using his memorable “restaurant vs. learning how to cook” analogy, Pastor Mike offers a practical way for listeners to evaluate faith spaces with discernment rather than despair.

This conversation is part of Ryan’s broader arc exploring what faith can look like for queer people who are navigating grief, longing, anger, curiosity, and hope — especially within the Black church tradition.

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