Saint Rainbow Reverend, Keeper of the Queer Flame, Love’s Liberator, Kim the Luminous Forever
In the vibrant tapestry of our queer community’s history, certain threads shine with an iridescent glow, woven with courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice and love. One such luminous thread is the life and ministry of Rev. Kim K. Crawford Harvie, whose profound contributions have not only shaped but also sanctified the spiritual and social fabric of our community.
Ordained into the Unitarian Universalist ministry in 1984, she has since been a beacon of hope and a bastion of support for the queer community, especially poignant during the harrowing zenith of the AIDS crisis in Provincetown. It was there that Kim’s ministry transcended the bounds of spiritual guidance, becoming a lifeline for those ostracized by fear, illness, and societal prejudice.
In 1989, Kim was called to serve as Senior Minister at the Arlington Street Church in Boston’s Back Bay. Under her leadership, the congregation has continued to champion the rights and dignity of all individuals, notably playing a pivotal role in the movement for marriage equality. Kim’s commitment was beautifully epitomized in 2004 when she performed the first legal same-sex marriage in a church in the United States, marking a monumental moment in our ongoing journey toward justice and equality.
Kim’s story is not just one of activism but of personal courage and integrity. Openly coming out as a lesbian in a time and profession where such honesty could have cost her everything, Kim instead chose to live her truth with love, joy, and pride. Her leadership has not only opened doors for many in the LGBTQ+ community but has also served as a profound example of living one’s values in every aspect of life.
