Irene Monroe
Biography
Born in Brooklyn in 1955, Monroe studied at Wellesley College and Union Theological Seminary at Columbia University before pursuing doctoral study at Harvard Divinity School as a Ford Foundation Fellow. Her ministry and public theology have examined the intersections of religion, race, sexuality, gender, and social justice.
Monroe is a founding board member and member emeritus of the National Black Justice Coalition and has been involved with organizations including Equal Partners of Faith and Christian Lesbians Out. In 1998, she became the first African American lesbian Grand Marshal of Boston Pride. Her journalism has appeared in publications including The Boston Globe, The Advocate, and The Huffington Post.
Her media work includes All Rev'd Up, a Boston Public Radio segment that began in 2013 and became a podcast in 2019. Monroe continues to work as a public theologian, writer, speaker, and Visiting Scholar in Boston University's Religion and Conflict Transformation Program. She also serves as the Boston voice for Detour's African American Heritage Trail.
BQW Impact
Monroe's work has helped create space for Black lesbian voices within religious and public conversations about justice. Her public theology challenges religious frameworks that reinforce racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of exclusion while advocating for more inclusive communities.
Her career also connects Black LGBTQ+ organizing, journalism, ministry, and public history. Through All Rev'd Up, her writing, and her organizational work, Monroe has brought conversations about faith, race, sexuality, and social justice to broader audiences.
Notable Works
All Rev'd Up (2013)
Boston Public Radio segment exploring faith, race, culture, and social justice that expanded into a podcast in 2019.
National Black Justice Coalition
Monroe is a founding board member and member emeritus of the organization advocating for Black LGBTQ+ communities.
“Coming Into Power: Taking Theology to the Streets” (2001)
Essay articulating Monroe's approach to public theology and the intersections of faith, sexuality, and social justice.
Detour African American Heritage Trail
Monroe serves as the Boston voice for the trail, connecting African American history with public storytelling.
Learn More
Irene Monroe's Official Website
Monroe's biography, writing, speaking work, and current projects.
National Black Justice Coalition
Documents Monroe's founding board role and emeritus status.
Background on the radio and podcast project.
Boston University Religion and Conflict Transformation
Information about the program with which Monroe has been affiliated.