A View from Within: The LGBTQ Struggle at Princeton Theological Seminary

Abstract

This article is a summary of the history of the LGBTQ movement on the campus of Princeton Theological Seminary from the perspective of the author, David H. Wall, who was a student (1979–1980) and served in the administration from 1980 to 2016. Wall describes his own journey as a gay Christian, along with a series of events and people that contributed to changes within the PTS community and the Presbyterian church from condemnation to welcome of LGBTQ people and their allies. Many LGBTQ students’ stories are included. The impact and work of the student organization CLGC (Church and Lesbian/Gay Concerns), later named BGLASS is covered as the organization’s leadership and mission evolved from a focus on education to one of advocacy. Included are the roles of the faculty and administration.