THE RELEVANT QUEER: Reverend Peter J. Gomes, Theologian and Author

The Reverend Peter J. Gomes, class photo circa 1965. Photo Bates College
The Reverend Peter J. Gomes, class photo circa 1965. Photo Bates College

“Hell is being defined by your circumstances, and believing that definition.”

TRQ: Peter J. Gomes Born May 22, 1942

Theologian and author Reverend Peter John Gomes, the first black person to serve as chief minister to Harvard University, was born in May 22, 1942 in Boston, Massachusetts. His father Peter was born in the Cape Verde Islands while his mother Orissa was a graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music. 

From an early age, Gomes expected to become a minister. He delivered his first sermon in a Baptist Church at the age of 12. Gomes graduated from Plymouth High School in 1961 and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from the abolitionist-founded Bates College. 

“It does not take a great deal of imagination or courage to believe that God is on your side when you are prospering or winning; it takes a great deal of courage and imagination to believe that God is on your side when you are suffering or losing.” — Peter J. Gomes

He attended Harvard and earned his divinity degree in 1968. Afterwards, he taught Western civilization at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama for two years before returning to Harvard as Pusey minister at Harvard’s Memorial Church, and Plummer professor of Christian morals.

When a conservative campus newspaper published homophobic articles that lead to hate crimes against gay men and lesbians on campus, Gomes stood in support of angry students, faculty and administrators. Gomes declared himself “a Christian who happens as well to be gay. Those realities, which are irreconcilable to some, are reconciled in me by a loving God.” Coming out changed the course of the reverend’s career.

“I’m always seen as a black man and now I’m seen as a black gay man.” — Peter J. Gomes

Gomes became known as a “gay minister” who used his spiritual voice to fight intolerance. Aware that the Bible has been used to defend slavery, support racism, spread Anti- Semitism, and oppress women, Gomes condemns using religious texts to stigmatize homosexuality as immoral. 

His best-selling The Good Book: Reading the Bible with Mind and Heart, urged readers to embrace the spirit of scripture rather than the letter.

“The Bible alone is the most dangerous thing I can think of… You need an ongoing context and a community of interpretation to keep the Bible current and to keep yourself honest. Forget the thought that the Bible is an absolute pronouncement.” — Peter J Gomes

Becoming something of a Republican celebrity, the conservative Gomes gave the benediction at President Reagan’s second inauguration and delivered a sermon at President George Bush’s inauguration. However, in 2006 Gomes became a Democrat and supported Massachusetts’ first black governor, Deval Patrick.

Reverend Peter John Gomes died on February 28, 2011 from complications arising from a stroke. Gomes never married and was celibate by choice.

Rev. Peter J. Gomes and Matina Horner in 1983. Photo courtesy of Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University
Rev. Peter J. Gomes and Matina Horner in 1983. Photo courtesy of Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University
Portrait of Rev. Peter J. Gomes outside of Memorial Church in 1974. Photo courtesy of Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University
Portrait of Rev. Peter J. Gomes outside of Memorial Church in 1974. Photo courtesy of Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University
The Rev. Peter J. Gomes (from left) is pictured with Matina Horner and Derek Bok during Harvard’s Commencement in 1973. Photo courtesy of Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University
The Rev. Peter J. Gomes (from left) is pictured with Matina Horner and Derek Bok during Harvard’s Commencement in 1973. Photo courtesy of Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University
Reverend Peter Gomes visiting his mother, Orissa Jones, in Plymouth, Massacusetts to celebrate her birthday, May 22, 1980. Photo New York Social Diary.1
Reverend Peter Gomes visiting his mother, Orissa Jones, in Plymouth, Massacusetts to celebrate her birthday, May 22, 1980. Photo New York Social Diary.1
Reverend Peter J. Gomes, circa 1980s. Photo Unknown
Reverend Peter J. Gomes, circa 1980s. Photo Unknown
Reverend Peter Gomes visiting his mother, Orissa Jones, in Plymouth, Massacusetts to celebrate her birthday, May 22, 1980. Photo New York Social Diary
Reverend Peter Gomes visiting his mother, Orissa Jones, in Plymouth, Massacusetts to celebrate her birthday, May 22, 1980. Photo New York Social Diary
The Reverend Peter J. Gomes circa 1970s. Photo Unknown
The Reverend Peter J. Gomes circa 1970s. Photo Unknown
The Reverend Peter J. Gomes, 1980. Photo Jill Krementz
The Reverend Peter J. Gomes, 1980. Photo Jill Krementz
The Reverend Peter J. Gomes speaks at a Commencement symposium in 1982. Photo by Lilian Kemp:Courtesy of Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University
The Reverend Peter J. Gomes speaks at a Commencement symposium in 1982. Photo by Lilian Kemp/Courtesy of Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University
The Reverend Peter J. Gomes, class photo circa 1965. Photo Bates College
The Reverend Peter J. Gomes, class photo circa 1965. Photo Bates College

About the Authors

Troy Wise is currently a PhD student at UAL Central St Martins and teaches fashion and graphic design at London College of Contemporary Arts. His background is in marketing and is founder and co-editor of Image Amplified. He lives in, and is continually fascinated by, the city of London.

Rick Guzman earned his most recent MA at UAL Central St Martins in Applied Imagination in the Creative Industries. He currently holds two MA’s and an MBA in the New Media, Journalism and International Business fields. Co-editor at Image Amplified since its start, he lives in London, is fascinated by history and is motivated by continuing to learn and explore. 

Sources:

NY Times

Q Spirit

Harvard News

NPR

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