Song Silenced: Coming Out in Christian Music, written and directed by Ry Levey, is about exactly what the title promises. The film interviews several Christian musicians who saw their fanbase dwindle and turn on them after they revealed themselves as members of the LGBTQIA community. Through interviews, archival footage, sermons, and the acts themselves, the filmmaker paints a picture of the wobbly intersection of music, faith, and self-identity.
Ray Botlz had several Christian music chart hits, including “I Pledge Allegiance To The Lamb.” He was married to a woman for 30 years before they divorced. Why did the singer and his significant other separate? Well, because, after years of self-hate and lying to himself and everyone around him, Boltz admitted he was gay in a 2008 interview. The revelation and speaking his truth made Boltz “feel closer to God.” However, his core audience did not agree with that sentiment, with many seeing his authentic self as a betrayal of the values he sang about on all his albums.
Unfortunately, similar issues abound among the artists interviewed. Ricky Braddy, DeMarco Deciccio. Jess Grace Garcia, Diedre Gray, Ross Murray, Billy Newton-Davis, Trey Pearson, Ronté Pierce, Marsha Stevens-Pino, Jason Warner, and Derek Webb all had bandmates abandon them, radio stations boycotted their songs, and an uncertain future in music lay before them. But as society’s attitude changes, even amongst Christians, some LGBTQIA artists such as Semler (born Grace Semler Baldridge) are seeing a different reaction from believers.
“…interviews several Christian musicians who saw their fanbase dwindle and turn on them after they revealed themselves as members of the LGBTQIA community.”
Levey lets each interviewee take their time and tell their story in their own words. This unhurried approach gives Song Silenced: Coming Out in Christian Music a solemn tone, as the gravity of livelihoods going up in smoking just because of who the artist chooses to love fully sinks in. This does make the documentary a heavy affair, but the message needs to be heard, especially by anyone who claims to follow in Jesus’s footsteps.
That isn’t to imply the film feels sorry for its subjects; it is quite the opposite, in fact. Yes, these people potentially lost their careers, but they are now their authentic selves. And no matter what, that is something to celebrate. As such, after the immediate backlash from fans settles down, something beautiful and raw remains to be lifted up as an example of bravery. In that regard, the movie is a critique of Christian hypocrisy and a celebration of coming out, living loud, and finding a balance between one’s self and one’s calling.
Song Silenced: Coming Out in Christian Music is both frustrating and enlightening. Frustrating because it is difficult to watch how callously Christians tossed aside their favorite artists just for being themselves. Enlightening because it highlights the strength and perseverance of its subjects in coming out and being themselves. This is a must-watch for music fans, LGBTQIA+ cinephiles, and Christians who wish to understand how LGBTQIA+ members can exist in the church. In short, it has something for anyone to relate to and is well told and expertly paced.
"…both frustrating and enlightening."
