Openly Queer ‘Christian’ Artist Hits #1 Song on Christian iTunes Charts, Unseating Chris Tomlin
Openly gay ‘Christian’ artist Semler had her new single ‘Faith’ top the Christian iTunes charts on the last day of Pride month, beating out such mainstays as Chris Tomlin, Brandon Lake, Cece Winans, and Phil Wickham to take the number one spot.
Semler (Grace Baldridge) is a newcomer to the Christian music scene, a ‘married’ non-binary lesbian who has been gaining some publicity after her previous profanity-laced album briefly held the top spot on iTunes Christian and Gospel charts. Last year she toured with Relient K, the queer-affirming former Christian band, gaining prominence and visibility. She also recently wrote the “world’s gayest worship song” after channeling the hurt of someone who “broke my heart for Jesus.”
Ticking off all the boxes you’d expect to see from a woman with her haircut, last year she raged against the ruling to overrule Roe v Wade, tweeting out a link where people could give to nearly 90 pro-choice abortion funds, then pleaded to be considered for “Best New Artist” at the 53rd annual Dove Awards, an event she ultimately attended.
Though she briefly held the number #1 spot, her song has not gained airplay on Christian stations yet, but with the way things are going, it’s just a matter of time.
