Troy D. Perry was a Pentecostal minister-Church of God-Cleveland and then Church of God of Prophecy- who attended two bible colleges-one being the well-known Moody Bible Institute. He was eventually defrocked for his homosexuality but later, in response to Queer folk being harassed in public spaces by police and gays harming themselves because of being outed, Troy prayed asking God for guidance. He told God that if he was meant to start a church for gay people, he would do it with God’s help. And so, on October 6, 1968, the Metropolitan Community Churches were born 9 months before Stonewall.
Under Troy’s leadership, MCCs numbered 300 globally at the movement peak – there are some 130 still in operation today. Troy is featured in the film God, Gays, and the Gospel and is the subject of the film, Call Me Troy. He is the author of three books: The Lord is My Shepherd and He Knows I’m Gay, Don’t Be Afraid Anymore, Ten Spiritual Truths for Successful Living for Gays and Lesbians, and Everyone Else. Troy Perry, a Northern Florida native and longtime California resident, is 85 years old and recently enjoyed an 8-week cruise of South America. He has met with officials in the Carter administration and with President Obama.
He has also been awarded three honorary doctorate degrees and the ACLU Humanitarian Award. Sunshine Cathedral has an historic connection to MCC and 6 of the 9 clergy at Sunshine Cathedral hold MCC credentials. The Queer God Squad blesses Troy Perry for his life’s work and amazing legacy.
