Ricky
My name is Ricky Braddy and I am a gay Progressive Christian. Three years ago, at the age of 36, I came out on national television.
I auditioned for The Voice in early 2019, looking for a way to harmonize all parts of my life; needing to integrate the parts of my identity I had been told were irreconcilable - faith, music, sexuality.
Pronouns: he/him
Photo of Ricky Braddy & partner
Faith:
My very first memories are around the Church. I found community and purpose there. Faith has always been a part of my identity.
Music:
I started singing with my family when I was four years old. I’ve found identity in singing most of my life.
Sexuality:
The night before kindergarten, I told my mom I wanted to be a girl when I grew up. I knew my sexual identity was special before I was able to give it effective language.
I was quickly able to merge music and faith. I sang in Church, toured in a Christian band, and graduated from Belmont University where I got my bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance. I spent years after college building a career in the Christian/Gospel music industry and was on staff at a few churches along the way.
But I was continually running and hiding from my sexuality. I had been convinced at an early age that being a Christian and being gay were opposing paths - good versus evil - heaven or hell. And for over 30 years, I believed it.
Then something heavenly began to happen. My life experiences started to poke holes in the system I had trusted. I started listening to my own heart and found it to be trustworthy. I fell in love with a wonderful guy here in Nashville and learned how to embody love and grace from him.
I was a Christian. I was gay. Now what?
That question is what led me to The Voice. I knew my career in evangelical spaces was going to be over, so I sought a way to forge a new path.
Now I work for an amazing Progressive Christian church in Nashville called GracePointe. I help create content and resources for other progressive communities. And I’ve never felt more alive.
Photo of Ricky
