Gretchen Burns | Collegio Reporter

Jennifer Knapp, PSU alumna, confronted a long-held speculation with a public “coming out” in 2010. She participated in interviews with CNN, The Advocate and Christianity Today, countless Internet blogs and appeared on “Larry King Live.”
The reason for the fame? Knapp is both gay and a Christian, and she has been recognized as a premier artist in the Christian contemporary music genre.
Knapp is returning to PSU to give a lecture and sing on Oct. 22 in the U-Club in the Overman Student Center, as part of her “Inside Out Faith” program.
Knapp unashamedly claimed her faith and sexual orientation with straightforwardness and honesty, even though she faced heavy scrutiny. Her frankness and compassion led her to engage in the challenging issue of LGBT inclusion and affirmation in religious communities.
She says she started “Inside Out Faith” to create a positive and constructive dialogue on behalf of LGBT people of faith.
Knapp has experienced the devastating effects of rejection and judgment, and knows the challenges of not being accepted in certain faith communities.
She says by sharing her journey through stories, music and conversation, she has found the healing that comes with breaking the silence.
Knapp’s event at PSU was brought about by the Campus Activities Center and the Tilford Group.