Levi Kreis is an emerging gay musician. He’s appeared on an episode of The Apprentice, done a few indie films, and has had his music played on television shows. In connection with the release of his new album The Gospel According to Levi, Kreis artist sat for an interview with Between the Lines.
The songwriting process became therapeutic as he reflected on his personal struggle to accept himself while serving God. As a Tennessee teen he stopped attending his parent’s Southern Baptist congregation, where he sang and preached, and enrolled in an ex-gay program at a nearby church. No one knew. Not his parents. Not his friends.
“I felt like it was my duty personally as a very sincere boy to rid myself of what (Apostle) Paul calls ‘this thorn in my side.'”
With workbooks and tapes supplied by Exodus International, a religious group focused on converting gay people back to heterosexuality, Kreis committed to the program for six years. As he considered their tactics and noticed “ex-gays” practicing suppression he realized their explanation of the development of homosexuality was ludicrous.
His decision to come out was not without cost. He was expelled from his conservative Christian college and dropped by his record label. In the lyrics of his song Bittersweet Salvation we hear the anquish of that period in his life in which he struggled to be what he thought God and the church demanded him to be.
I coveted the sorrow and death of every martyr made
Took this thorn into my side as Yaweh’s name
Twenty years of faith and fear and still you say I falter
I’m laying all this dogma dead upon the alter
I know Levi…I also know Jason and DeMarco.
Their voices are to make you weep.
They have all experienced a similar journey. We can learn a lot from them. I consider them VERY brave for realizing their truth, and the quality of their singing shows just how liberating it is for them.
And how their gifts benefit us all.
And mores the point…they are very sweet, affectionate men.
There is no bitter quality in them I have noticed in some EX GAYS.
At least a cadre of ex gays who want a show biz career and don’t have it worth noting.
Maybe I shouldn’t make such a general statement.
But Stephen Bennett and Throckmorton have tried to sell music CD’s too.
I think a few of you heard Bennett’s music.
Maybe he should finally consider opening a bakery.
Daily bread would be a whole lot more lucrative.
WOW!! This is just cool! Levi is definitely brave. There are many other talented guys (and women) out there who are either in show biz or who have yet to tap into their talent through self acceptance. Levi has definitely done all of us an immense service.
I find it so amazing when gay men come out after going through an immense struggle with their faith and their orientation (all of these immense expectations) and through this process begin to see the big picture. The big picture is about the greatest things that Christ taught which are recorded in the Sermon On The Mount.
My favorite film and t.v. actor who is out is Chad Allen. He is humble, very personable and has a heart of gold. I hope he appears in some western movies (that rare genre these days) sometime in the near future.
I’m glad you said that Benjamin. Because you are EXACTLY right.
Chad is from a Catholic family. He’s very strong and committed to his faith.
And especially to his family.
Tell you how I met him.
It was at a vigil for hate crimes victims, Oct. 1999.
It was in West Hollywood, at a little park recently dedicated and now called Matt Shepard Humanitarian Triangle.
The program that evening was two hours. There were speakers, the family and friends of victims, the night was balmy and clear.
The mood that night was respectful and affectionate.
Chad had come with a friend, but for some reason…Chad held me in his arms for the first full hour of that night.
The second hour, my hand was held by a man who is now and since been my best friend, Mikey.
Mikey has emerged as an amazingly talented poet and playright. I’m so proud of him and love him forever!
Chad has stayed close, we’ve supported each other’s artistic projects and maintained close ties to several other people who were there in the Triangle that night.
My family is getting stronger and more connected. I’ve started to meet and spend time with the folks from here, like Tim Kincaid, Peterson Toscano, and Steve Schalchlin and his partner Jim Brochu…to name a few.
I am a very blessed woman. I like sharing that the talented and compassionate people I know.
I hope it doesn’t sound like name dropping.
Sometimes celebs, unfortunately disappoint their fans.
Or some other stupid scandal erupts and we think our feelings of admiration might be misplaced.
I just mentioned what I did, to assure you…Levi, Chad…Tim Kincaid, these good young men, deserve our love and support.
I find it inspiring that so many Gay men and women of faith are seeking to break through the stereotype that Homosexuality and Faith cannot coincide. My father, who is a minister, has always told me that God is on my side, although some would try to tell me otherwise. It is most excellent to see people of celebrity and semi-celebrity embracing the same philosophy.
Good Lord Regan, you know all the cool ones! 😉
Jim Burroway, my love…I think YOU’RE cool, and Daniel…and SharonB, and Autumn.
I suppose I haven’t mentioned it enough how much I admire you, love you.
Get a kick out of your charms.
Hey, when WILL I get to hug you again, brother?
I def can feel the love, Regan. Back Atcha!
When ya gonna get writing a column? You have the freshest insight!
This is healthy to spotlight G&Ls that personally tried ex-gay programs, then realized what a waste such programs really are and they sucessfully moved forward to lead full & productive lives, just as they were meant to be. These personal stories need to be shared every now & then versus the negative stories of the leaders of exgay groups.