“I’ve never understood homophobia,” Franklin said. “I am a lover of every human. I love people. I love people. That’s always been me.” His words resonated with many, reflecting his belief that unconditional love should transcend judgment based on personal differences, including sexual orientation.
Franklin emphasized that being a parent is about more than agreeing with every decision a child makes. Instead, it’s about offering unconditional love, regardless of circumstances. “I told my son, there will never be any situation in your life that I will ever, ever stop loving you. I will love who you love, and I will stand where you stand. At the end of the day, that’s my son and ain’t nobody gonna take my son away from me,” he shared, reaffirming his unwavering support.
Throughout his career, Kirk Franklin has consistently defied expectations of what a Christian leader should look like. He explained that society often tries to place Christian figures in boxes, expecting them to be perfect, but he refuses to allow his faith to overshadow his humanity. “Just because I’m a Christian singer doesn’t mean I’m not human,” he said. “I’ve always allowed myself to be seen as human, and that’s how I want to be with my family and my son.”
In a powerful call for compassion, the gospel legend also addressed the judgmental attitudes that persist toward the LGBTQ+ community, urging a more inclusive and understanding approach. “If homosexuality is a sin, then adultery is a sin. Fornication is a sin. Divorce is a sin. None of them are bigger than the other. I’ve never understood why we single out some people for judgment. We all need grace,” he said, challenging the selective nature of judgment and advocating for a more gracious and loving perspective on human imperfections.
Reflecting on his own experiences growing up, Franklin shared how he faced questions about his own sexuality during his school years, particularly due to his love of fashion and the arts. Despite the challenges, he has always remained true to himself, choosing to embrace others with love and compassion. “I’ve always been loving and compassionate to people. That’s who I am,” he affirmed.
In an era where societal divisions often deepen, Kirk Franklin's heartfelt message of love, acceptance, and empathy stands as a beacon of hope, urging both the church and society to rethink how they engage with the LGBTQ+ community and to embrace the universal values of love and grace.