Queer Artist Big Freedia Releases Debut Gospel Album

A New Perspective analyzes mainstream media outlet ABC 13 on “Queer Faith” Sub-genre— From the perspective of the church and Faith-Based Community

Dec 10, 2025

Big Freedia — widely known as the Queen of New Orleans Bounce Music — has long been recognized for his impact on the New Orleans–born hip-hop subgenre called bounce music. He is credited with helping bring the once-underground sound, which emerged in the early 1990s, into mainstream awareness. - Wikipedia.

Freedia has collaborated with global superstars, including contributing vocals to Beyoncé’s “Formation” and appearing on Drake’s 2018 hit “Nice for What.” Now, he has surprised the music world with the release of her debut gospel album, “Pressing Onward,” an homage to her Baptist roots at Pressing Onward Baptist Church, where he grew up.

During his recent interview with ABC News’ Linsey Davis, Davis introduced the term “queer faith”—suggesting that Freedia’s gospel project might represent a subgenre within the church.

But here at A New Perspective, we analyze:

Is a “Queer Faith” sub-genre truly the perspective of the church, faith-based community and gospel music, or is it simply the perspective being shaped by mainstream media?

We have reached out to Big Freedia’s team and representatives from the Baptist church community and are currently awaiting comment.

Big Freedia on Faith

Big Freedia served as choir director and was deeply active in church music ministry throughout his youth— he consistently points back to her church upbringing as the foundation of her identity and success.

In his conversation with Davis, he said:

“I grew up in the church. I come from the church. That’s what made me who I am. The church gave me my safe haven as a child. It was my comfort zone; it was what protected me… The church welcomed me with open arms… No matter what walk of life you are, we can all praise God.”

Gender Identity

According to a statement shared in a 2020 interview, Freedia explained:

“How do I identify? I do not mind if you call me ‘he’ or ‘she.’ … I was born male and remain male—physically, hormonally, and mentally. But I am a gay male. Some folks insist I have to be trans, but I don’t agree. I’m gender-nonconforming, fluid, nonbinary…”

Freedia’s longtime partner of 20 years, Devon Hurst, tragically passed away during the making of this gospel album, adding emotional depth and spiritual weight to the project. (Source: abc news).

A Question for the Church & the Faith Community

With the release of Pressing Onward, we must ask:

Does Big Freedia’s gospel album challenge the moral and ethical framework of the church and gospel music?

Or is it pushing the church to evolve, expand, and reexamine its understanding of worship, identity, and inclusion?

What do you think?

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