An Invitation Into the Story
An Unedited Blueprint for Wholeness
For decades, I navigated life through a restrictive code—wearing a professional and spiritual suit that didn’t quite fit, editing my true self simply to survive. Being Gay, Black, and Christian: A Journey of Faith and Identity is a raw, narrative-driven blueprint for breaking out of a fragmented existence and stepping confidently into authentic leadership.
From the maternal, tambourine-driven pews of a basement church in Inkster, Michigan, to the mirror-polished mahogany boardroom tables of executive corporate operations in Washington, D.C., this memoir maps out the exact architecture of my personal reconciliation.
Settle the Foundation
More than a personal testimony, this work tackles the complex intersections of faith, identity, and high-level career aspirations. By turning past rubble, bankruptcy, and deep grief into a firm foundation for personal empowerment, I wrote this to provide a vital roadmap to wholeness for others.
It is a powerful, clear call for grace within both the traditional Black church and the Black queer community. The message is urgent, transparent, and true: It is entirely possible to build a house that can hold all of who you are.
"God never asked you to disappear in order to be loved."
About the Book
BEING
GAY, BLACK,
AND CHRISTIAN
A Journey of Faith and Identity
Welcome to the Sanctuary
The tambourine hit before the preacher did—a sharp, loud crack against a calloused hand that meant it was time to perform. Growing up in the basement churches of Inkster, Michigan, staying quiet wasn’t just a rule; it was a coat you were forced to wear until it fit. You learned early to watch how you stood, fix how you laughed, and edit who you were before you ever stepped off the front porch. For too long, the goal was simple: survive the room first, and figure out who you are later.
Through vivid, real-life scenes—from the cool, smooth wood of childhood church pews to the polished tables of executive boardrooms—this memoir looks at the heavy weight of carrying different identities. It maps out how past trauma, bankruptcy, and deep heartbreak can be turned from old rubble into a rock-solid foundation for leadership and strength.
Building a House That Can Hold All of You
This book is more than a personal story; it stands confidently at the intersection of faith, sexuality, and career goals. It delivers a powerful call for grace within both the Black church and the Black queer community. Whether you are navigating restrictive codes or striving to lead a room without changing your heart, this story offers a clear roadmap to unedited wholeness.
The message is simple, urgent, and true: It is entirely possible to build a house that can hold all of who you are.
The Grace & Wholeness Collection
Launch apparel and drinkware designed to carry the message of the journey with you. Inspired by the book's core truth: "Humans run out of grace before God does."
Michael M. Roberson
Author, Coach & Speaker
Home-Coaching-About-The Book-Contact
Inquiries
michael@mroberson.com
Confidential consultations by appointment
Photography byJeff Suggs
© 2026 Michael M. Roberson - Honoring our roots, writing our next chapters.