Troy Perry Quotes

Powerful Troy Perry for Daily Growth

About Troy Perry

Troy Perry (born August 16, 1940), an American minister and author, is renowned as a pioneer in the LGBTQ+ community for his founding of the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC)—the world's first predominantly lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender religious organization. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Perry grew up in a strict Baptist environment, experiencing significant challenges as he navigated his sexual orientation. In 1968, after leaving the military and facing rejection from multiple churches, Perry founded the MCC in Los Angeles. The church provided spiritual support for LGBTQ+ individuals who were often ostracized by mainstream religious institutions. Perry's major work, "The Lord is My Shepherd, but He's Also a High Yield Certificate of Deposit" (1972), detailed his journey and offered a unique perspective on faith and sexuality. This autobiographical book was groundbreaking in its openness about LGBTQ+ issues and has become a seminal text within the community. Throughout his career, Perry has continued to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, speaking at rallies, conferences, and on television programs. He has received numerous awards, including the Presidential Citizen's Medal in 2015, recognizing his lifetime of service. Today, the MCC has grown into an international denomination with over 300 congregations worldwide, serving as a testament to Perry's influence and impact on LGBTQ+ religious expression. His life and work continue to inspire generations of individuals seeking acceptance and understanding within their faith and community.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I was born to be a minister, and I found out that God didn't make a mistake when He made me gay."

Troy Perry's quote highlights his personal belief that he is meant to serve as a minister, a role traditionally associated with heterosexual individuals in religious institutions. However, Perry, being openly gay, found a way to reconcile his sexuality and spirituality by recognizing that God intended him to be this unique blend of individual. This quote expresses his conviction that his sexual orientation does not conflict with his calling as a minister, instead it underscores the diversity and inclusivity that he embodies in the realm of faith and spirituality.


"I don't care if it's the whole world against us as long as we have each other."

This quote emphasizes the importance of love, unity, and companionship amid adversity or opposition. The speaker suggests that even in the face of challenging circumstances where they might be outnumbered or faced with resistance, what truly matters is having a strong bond with someone else. The message underscores the power of shared love and connection to provide solace, strength, and resilience during difficult times. In essence, it encourages us to seek support in our loved ones instead of focusing solely on external challenges.


"We are all unique expressions of the divine."

Troy Perry's quote "We are all unique expressions of the divine" suggests that every individual holds a distinct, valuable, and integral part in the grand tapestry of existence. This perspective emphasizes the inherent worth and diversity of each person, rooted in the idea that we all share a common, sacred origin - the universe or divine essence. It calls for respect, understanding, and appreciation of our differences, as these are the keys to fostering harmony and unity among all beings.


"Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

The quote by Troy Perry underscores a fundamental truth about human nature and conflict resolution: Hate cannot be eradicated with more hatred, as it merely fuels the cycle of animosity. Instead, love – in its broadest sense, encompassing compassion, understanding, empathy, and acceptance – is the powerful force that can counteract and eventually eliminate hate. By choosing love over hate, we break the vicious cycle and pave the way for unity, peace, and positive change.


"The Bible teaches us to love one another, but it doesn't say how to pick and choose who you should love."

This quote by Troy Perry emphasizes that love, as taught in the Bible, is universal and unconditional. It suggests that the Bible does not provide guidelines for discrimination or selective affection towards certain individuals. Instead, it encourages love without boundaries or conditions, encompassing everyone, regardless of personal differences or affiliations. In essence, the quote highlights the importance of inclusivity and compassion in our dealings with others.


We've had drive-by shootings. I've been spat on, slapped, shot at. One guy tried to stab me with a broken beer bottle. But the way we look at it, if people do the worst they can, we'll still wake up in glory.

- Troy Perry

Wake Up, Been, Had, Slapped

I always say that as a Christian I cannot find any passage in the Gospels in which Jesus condemned homosexuality.

- Troy Perry

Always, Homosexuality, Which, Gospels

The Lord is my Shepherd and he knows I'm gay.

- Troy Perry

Gay, Lord, He, Shepherd

The Bible was written in several languages, embraces many literary forms, and reflects cultures very different from our own. These are important considerations for properly understanding the Bible in its context.

- Troy Perry

Bible, Very, Languages, Forms

When younger, I was thin as a rail. As I've grown older, I've put on weight. I have continued to love myself in all those roles. Part of my spirituality, I always tell people, is to accept yourself for who you are.

- Troy Perry

Love, Part, Roles, Thin

If you had told me 28 years ago that the largest organization in the world touching the lives of gays and lesbians would be a church, I would not have believed you.

- Troy Perry

Largest, Lesbians, Lives, Organization

God did not create gays and lesbians so He could have something to hate!

- Troy Perry

Create, Could, Gays, Lesbians

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