Bridging Continents: How We Can Stand with Queer Africans in Their Fight for Existence

Mark your calendar and meet us at...

The Q Christian Fellowship Conference Breakout Session Block B

1/24 Friday 2:30PM EST

TRACKS: Theology & Scripture: Faith, Gender Identity, and Sexuality

CONTENT WARNING: Abuse, Death or dying, Homophobia and/or Transphobia

Discover the powerful story of LGBTQ+ Christians in Zimbabwe who are not just fighting for equal rights but for the very right to exist. This session introduces you to Ronald Madongwe and his groundbreaking ministry, God Adores You (G.A.Y.), a beacon of hope in a nation where being queer can mean facing police raids, violence, and familial abandonment—all under the guise of preserving a 'Christian' nation.

Learn about the profound impact of Western influence on these draconian laws and explore actionable ways the American church can support positive change. Join us in building bridges of solidarity, understanding, and love across continents, and find out how you can make a tangible difference in the lives of those courageously living their truth against overwhelming odds.

SPEAKER: Thomas Igeme

Thomas Igeme is a queer, Black immigrant originally from Uganda who grew up in Kenya. With over 17 years in the Bay Area, Thomas brings a unique cultural and identity perspective to his work in faith and social justice. As the Founder and Managing Director of TL Partners, a talent and leadership management consulting firm, Thomas applies his expertise to causes close to his heart, including his board roles with FACES SF, Envision Education, and City Church San Francisco, where he serves as an elder.

In his advocacy for LGBTQ+ Christians, Thomas is passionate about elevating the voices of those in communities where being queer is not just difficult—it is dangerous. This mission led him to collaborate with Ronald Madongwe and his ministry, God Adores You (G.A.Y.), which is dedicated to supporting queer Christians in Zimbabwe, a country where identifying as LGBTQ+ can lead to violence, arrests, and familial rejection.

Thomas believes deeply in the power of faith to bridge divides and envisions a global community where love, justice, and compassion transcend borders. At QCF, he will join Ronald in sharing the courageous stories of queer Christians in Zimbabwe, inviting the global church to offer solidarity and support in their fight not only for rights but for survival.

SPEAKER: Ronnie Madongwe (HE/HIM)

Ronnie Madongwe was born in Harare, Zimbabwe. Since primary school, he knew he was gay. He committed his life to God. He prayed against the demon of gayism. But nothing changed. He ministered in school and church. Despite inner fighting, Ronnie ministered faithfully until he relocated to South Africa, where, for a short period, he joined a gay-centered life but soon felt the void compared to a Christ-centered life. He cried every time he saw young people living without considering their future due to the rejection of the church. In 2018, he met Douglas McFalls. He helped Ronnie see his ministry potential. In 2019, Ronnie launched the God Adores You WhatsApp group, which now reaches across Africa with encouraging words of faith and a place for helpful and safe conversation. God Adores You now includes workshops for pastors and parents and bible studies for LGBTQ believers.

SPEAKER: Danny Cortez (HE/HIM)

Danny Cortez (he/him) pastored New Heart, a church dismissed from the Southern Baptist Convention for becoming an inclusive space for LGBTQ+ people. He founded Estuary Space, a non-profit that helps people and churches navigate the complexities of faith, gender, and sexuality. He now pastors at Long Beach Christian Fellowship in Long Beach, CA. He authored The Clergy Guide for QCF, a manual to help churches navigate conversations to become fully affirming of LGBTQ people. He is on the board of Bridges in Africa and PFLAG SGV API.

SPEAKER: Douglas McFalls (HE/HIM)
Douglas McFalls has been working and living in Africa for two decades. While visiting South Africa, Douglas was introduced to Ronnie Madongwe, an economic exile from Zimbabwe. Seeing his deep faith and his burden for the suffering LGBTQ+ Christians, Ronnie, and Douglas birthed the God Adores You ministry. Douglas currently spends his time between Kenya and Seattle dealing with the education crisis, drought, and displacement of a Maasai community at the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro through his NGO, the ADEA Foundation. Douglas also provides educational and spiritual support to several gay and straight Africans.