Katie Pruitt is a Nashville-based singer/songwriter and guitarist. She was born and raised in Georgia, grew up in the Catholic Church, went to Catholic school, and later attended Belmont University here in Nashville. She brings her whole self to her songwriting, tackling the shame of coming out in the south on her debut record, “Expectations.” In her own words, she calls it a record that's "really about letting go of what other people expect from you, and being free to just finally be yourself.” Katie identifies as gay or lesbian, with the gender pronouns she/her/hers
In our conversation, we discuss how she came out through her songwriting, who she could turn to, and how she came around to trusting herself, seeing God as a "force of good."
Learn more about Katie over at katiepruitt.com and follow her on Instagram @katiepruittmusic and on Twitter @KPmusik. “Expectations” is available wherever you stream or download your music.
For Reflection: How have you experienced churches or other organizations being silent about their views on LGBTQIA+ inclusion? When did you start to see queer representation in your life? How did that impact your own view of sexuality?
Music featured during this episode (in order as it played): “Georgia,” “Grace Has a Gun,” and “Normal,” from Katie’s album, “Expectations.” Listen to the album on Apple Music and Spotify.
Resources: Some of Katie’s influences mentioned during the episode include Brandi Carlile and the Indigo Girls. We also discuss Bible passages that have been used to form an argument against homosexuality. A great resource for unpacking these “clobber passages” is Unclobber by Colby Martin.
Out Loud is a podcast by and for queer people of faith in the South. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and join our mailing list for updates. Support the show financially by becoming a Patreon member, or by leaving a one-time donation on our website. Hosted and produced by Greg Thompson. Editing Contributions from Cariad Harmon. Theme music by JP Rugierri. Recorded in Nashville, TN.