Rev. Irene Monroe
Articles, Appearances, Advocate
Publications
Collaborative
Monroe’s writing has appeared in a wide range of outlets including Boston Spirit Magazine, GBH, LA Progressive, the Boston Globe, Bay Windows, and HuffPost, among others. Her syndicated religion column runs in 23 cities across the U.S., U.K., and Canada. In collaborating with these outlets, she aims to amplify the voices of marginalized communities, challenge religious and cultural homophobia, and foster deeper public dialogue around issues of race, gender, and sexuality.
Conviction
Guided by a deep moral clarity, Monroe writes with conviction on the intersections of religion, race, gender, and sexuality. Her work aims to spark critical reflection and social change, using theology as a tool to both expose harm and imagine liberation.
Recent Events
Audre Lorde Wisdom Awards
May 2026
The 6th Annual Audre Lorde Wisdom Awards honors the elders, organizers, artists, and architects who have shaped Black LGBTQ+/SGL life in America — the ones who built the rooms we gather in, led the marches we still talk about, and held the community together when no one else would. This year's honorees are six of the most extraordinary people you may not yet know well enough or have known for a long time.
Reverend Irene Monroe is a theologian, preacher, syndicated columnist, and public intellectual whose work at the intersection of race, faith, and queerness has reached 43 cities and counting. Her papers are archived at the Schlesinger Library at Harvard University. She is, in every sense of the word, a legacy.
Black History In Action
Rev. Irene Monroe will moderate a conversation with poet, educator, and curator Porsha Olayiwola.
All Rev’d Up
All Rev’d Up explores where faith intersects politics and culture. Reverend Irene Monroe and Reverend Emmett G. Price III come from different black faith perspectives, they’re of different generations, they hail from different parts of the country, and they come together in this podcast to talk about faith in a different way. They don’t always agree, but they always hear each other out. Dive into conversations around race, faith, and topical headlines wherever you get your podcasts.
Media
Speaking Engagements
I bring warmth, authenticity, and intention to every stage I step onto. My goal is to leave audiences feeling uplifted, understood, and motivated to take their next brave step.
Professional Wedding Officiant Services
Every couple deserves a ceremony that reflects who they are. I work closely with you to shape your special day with meaning, connection, and love.
Testimonials
"Dear Rev. Monroe,
You don't know me, but I recently read your article on Shirley Chisholm in The Progressive and found it intriguing. My name is Ronnie Boyd and I am a seminarian at Starr King School for the Ministry in Oakland, CA. I was first introduced to politics through Shirley Chisholm's story back in undergrad when I was a Political Science and Women's Studies major at San Diego State University.
I watched Unbought and Unbossed and was so impressed with Ms. Chisholm. She motivated me to be deeply rooted and grounded in my convictions and my dedication to my community. Your article highlighted her legacy so well and so clearly. I also really appreciated the womanist lens that came through in your writing.
As Black women, we are the backbone of everything! I am so proud to be a part of the sisterhood that moves and shakes the world.
Thank you for your work and your leadership."
— Ronnie
