New Column Starting in July - Thoughts from Justin Ryan, Southern Gospel Sissy

Published in the April-June 2026 Edition

Justin Ryan is an openly gay Christian singer, songwriter, and storyteller whose work reclaims the heart of Southern Gospel while expanding its theological and cultural boundaries. Deeply formed within the traditional gospel world, Justin brings a lifetime of musical heritage to his art—rich vocals, emotional honesty, and reverence for faith—while offering a voice shaped by lived experience, grief, and radical grace.

After choosing authenticity over acceptance, Justin emerged as a leading voice for LGBTQ+ Christians navigating faith beyond exclusion. His music and performances blend gospel tradition with contemporary storytelling, creating spaces that feel part concert, part testimony, and part sanctuary. His acclaimed album Explaining Jesus and subsequent work explore themes of loss, resurrection, humor, and hope, resonating with audiences both inside and beyond the church.

Justin is also the creator and host of the podcast Southern Gospel Sissy, where he reflects on faith, queerness, and church culture with insight, wit, and pastoral depth. He is closely connected with BALM Ministries, founded by Marsha Stevens Pino, and is recognized as a continuing voice in the legacy of LGBTQ+ Christian music and ministry. Through song, story, and sacred honesty, Justin Ryan offers a faith that survives the truth—and invites others to do the same.

To view Justin’s Southern Gospel Sissy series, visit justinryanmusic.live.

We look forward to Justin’s Wisdom to share with our readers each month.