About Me

Rev. Irene Monroe is a distinguished religion columnist, public speaker, and activist whose work challenges the intersections of religion, discrimination, and social justice. Drawing on critical race theory, African American studies, queer studies, and religious studies, she highlights how religious intolerance perpetuates systemic oppression. As a scholar and advocate, Monroe uses her voice to promote equity and inclusion while exposing the ways homophobia, racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination undermine democracy. Her impactful work has earned her recognition as a thought leader in both academic and activist circles. Monroe is deeply committed to fostering dialogue and change through her writing, media appearances, and public speaking engagements.

She holds a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary and a Doctorate of Ministry from Harvard Divinity School. A Ford Fellow and Harvard Fellow, Monroe has served as a Visiting Scholar at the Center for the Study of World Religions at Harvard, and was part of the inaugural cohort of Harvard Divinity School's Women Studies in Religion Program. As an ordained minister and public theologian, her academic grounding and lived experience continue to shape her unique voice in conversations on faith, justice, and identity.

Boston's 50 Most Intriguing Women, Boston Magazine, 1997.

Boston's 50 Most Intriguing Women, Boston Magazine, 1997.

  • Monroe’s syndicated religion column appears in 23 cities across the U.S., U.K., and Canada. She writes a weekly column for Boston’s LGBTQ newspaper Bay Windows and contributes regularly to HuffPost. Her writing employs an interdisciplinary lens to explore the role of religion in societal discrimination, particularly against LGBTQ individuals, and its broader implications for systemic oppression.

  • Monroe is the co-host of “All Revved Up!” on WGBH’s Boston Public Radio, now a podcast, and a weekly commentator on New England Cable News (NECN). Her work has been featured in the Emmy-nominated PBS series In the Life and the documentary For the Bible Tells Me So. Her dynamic media presence amplifies her message, making her a vital voice in the public discourse around religion and social justice.

  • Monroe's activism has earned numerous prestigious honors, including Boston Spirit Magazine’s Top 25 LGBT Power Players of New England Award and GLAD’s Spirit of Justice Award. She also received the Bayard Rustin Service Award and the Open Door Award for her work with HIV/AIDS, the Black Church, and the LGBTQ community. A distinguished educator, she has earned multiple Certificates of Distinction in Teaching from Harvard University and was honored by the United Nations International School for her contributions to human rights. Her personal papers are housed at the Schlesinger Library, chronicling her enduring impact on social justice and religious studies.