In this episode of "I Write, You Decide"...
In the book "Drag Queen Preacher," the Rev. Ricardo Tavárez described his thoughts while preparing to be photographed as his drag persona, Luz De La Rica, after winning a local drag competition.
Tavárez described how preaching as Luz De La Rica helps him "use the artistry of drag to expand the message of God’s love and inclusion," which he believes helps "break the barrier between the LGBTQ community and what happens on Sunday mornings."
Note: the feature image is not Rev. Ricardo Tavárez/Luz De La Rica. However, this is:
Rev. the Rev. Ricardo Tavárez, who preaches in his drag persona, Luz De La Rica.https://t.co/obpFRDnQvI pic.twitter.com/3XUNOudXOM
— MikesRight (@RealLibSmacker) June 2, 2025
While it's above my "pay grade" as a mere human being to pass judgment on Tavárez, his proclivities, or his church... it's exactly within the limits of my pay grade to report the facts as they are, which follow — and add a bit of — let's call it "color commentary" along the way.
Tavárez, pastor at the En Vivo Church in the Creston Neighborhood of Grand Rapids, Michigan, described his feelings thusly:
I remember feeling the sense that this is what needs to happen. This is what I’ve been waiting for to launch fully into ministry — to break the barrier between self-expression and being a pastor, to break the barrier between the LGBTQ community and what happens on Sunday mornings, to show up in full drag to do a performance before I started preaching, and to tie the message in directly with matters and concerns of the queer community.
My first thought when I read the above quote was about the make-up of the En Vivo Church congregation. Speaking as a proud Midwesterner who has attended several churches over the years, I can confidently say that Tavárez's "reasoning" with respect "breaking a barrier" between men dressing as women, and the congregations of the churches I've attended would be a hands-down nonstarter. Whether that's right or wrong is, I suppose, in the eye of the beholder.
The En Vivo Church website describes the church body this way:
We are a multiethnic, multigenerational, Queer-affirming, Jesus-loving group of weirdos. Put on your favorite jeans when you plan to visit. We welcome you to sit at a round table with us as we sing, hear a message, and open our Bibles to discuss what God’s word means for us today.
The mission of the church is simply defined as: "Living a Christ-centered revolution."
Just me, or does the church's mission sound a bit mutually exclusive? The "revolution" part, I mean.
The website says Rev. Tavárez, in 2015, began praying about the establishment of a new church. In May 2016, he shared his vision with a group of "engaged leaders," many of whom shared his enthusiasm for creating a distinctive faith community. On June 7, 2016, Tavárez and his leaders launched the ministry that would become En Vivo Church.
Shortly after its founding, En Vivo Church embraced full inclusivity for the LGBTQ+ community, "incorporating Queer leadership across all levels of its structure."
Following the closure of Reconciliation Metropolitan Community Church, a historically Queer-led congregation in Grand Rapids, members of RMCC joined En Vivo, passing on their legacy to a new generation of worshippers.
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As I suggested at the top, it's not my job to pass judgment on Rev. Tavárez or his church.
That said, let's end with a "Point/Counterpoint," similar to the feature on "60 Minutes" back in the day. We'll begin with a point, presumably in the minds of the left, then a counterpoint, presumably from the right's perspective.
Point
There's nothing inappropriate about members of the LGBTQ community establishing their own church and determining whom they wish to welcome. This extends to including young children in Sunday School classes and allowing youth pastors to minister to older children. As a result, such exposure and practices teach children to be more accepting and inclusive.
Counterpoint
LGBTQ identities and practices are viewed by many as contrary to the teachings of God and the principles outlined in scripture. From this perspective, people who claim to follow Jesus while endorsing such practices are acting in a manner that could be described as blasphemous. Moreover, introducing young children to such concepts and practices amounts to indoctrination, which is tantamount to child abuse and is therefore ungodly.
So What Say You?
Remember, in this article, I report, you decide.
