The Orlando community opened its arms to the LGBTQ people after last year’s Pulse nightclub massacre. MiShara Bronon Despite that, many black people who happen to be gay stay in the closet because homophobia remains a major problem in Orlando’s black community. We discussed this issue recently with MiShara Bronson and her pastor the Rev. Brei Taylor who leads Orlando OASIS Outreach Center , where she ministers to LGBTQ people of color. The church and outreach center are on Orlando’s North Orange Blossom Trail. See the interview by clicking here . For more news, click here .

Despite the Pulse tragedy, many people in Orlando’s black community quote Bible passages to condemn gay people. But the Rev. Brei Taylor, pastor at Orlando OASIS Community Outreach -- a ministry for LBGTQ people of color  -- said those critics are missing the point.  The pastor said unconditional love is the overarching message of the Bible’s New Testament. Pastor Brei flipped the script on the critics because she knows the Bible and is ready to take the haters to church. Click here for the video interview.

To many people it seemed the entire Orlando community wrapped its arms around the LGBTQ community after last year’s Pulse Massacre. Not so, said Pastor Brei Taylor who ministers to LGBTQ people of color. She, and members of her flock at Orlando OASIS Community Outreach, said they are not warmly embraced by the black community or the white LGBTQ community. Pastor Brei said it’s good to see all the Orlando Strong signs and banners. The pastor and her congregation – who fellowship at a building on the North Orange Blossom Trail, wish the black community and black ministers would open their hearts with love and acceptance. Click here to see an excerpt from a video interview we conducted with Pastor Brei and MiShara Bronson.