Kirk Franklin Opens Up on Homophobia and His Son Kerrion’s Bisexuality
On November 11, 2025, gospel music icon Kirk Franklin appeared on The Carlos King Show podcast, where he shared a heartfelt reflection on homophobia and his unwavering support for his eldest son, Kerrion Franklin, who came out as bisexual in 2022. In the candid interview, Franklin, 55, emphasized that he’s “never understood homophobia” and has always accepted Kerrion’s sexuality without reservation.
Key Highlights from the Interview
- On Homophobia: Franklin attributed his perspective to his own experiences growing up, when peers questioned his sexuality due to his passion for fashion and the arts. “I’ve never understood homophobia,” he said, calling it “senseless hate.” He criticized how societal and religious expectations often force people—especially public figures like himself—into rigid boxes, adding, “Just because I’m a Christian singer doesn’t mean I’m not human.”
- Support for Kerrion: Franklin made it clear his love for his son “has never changed and never will,” regardless of who Kerrion loves. He reflected on their complex relationship, noting that while there have been “good days and bad days,” he’s committed to supporting Kerrion’s growth. This comes years after a 2021 leaked audio of Franklin cursing at Kerrion went viral, which he later addressed as a moment of “lack of control” he’s ashamed of—unrelated to Kerrion’s sexuality.
- Broader Reflections: Echoing sentiments from his 2015 album Losing My Religion, Franklin reiterated his apology to the LGBTQ+ community for church-based homophobia, stating, “We have made it where the Bible is a homophobic manual,” and that the text isn’t an “attack on gay people.”
Background on Kerrion Franklin
Kerrion, 37, publicly came out during a 2022 episode of Bad Boys: Los Angeles, where he described himself as polyamorous and bisexual, saying, “Love is blind, so I can’t control who is attracted to me… I’ve got every letter in the alphabet in my DMs.” The revelation stirred online discussions, especially given the strained father-son dynamic, including Kerrion’s claims of childhood abuse and a brief jail stint in 2023 for unrelated charges. Despite the turbulence, Franklin has consistently affirmed his love, telling Cam Newton in a 2024 interview: “My love for you does not waver based on who you love.”
Public Reaction
The podcast clip quickly went viral on X (formerly Twitter), amassing over 5,700 likes and sparking mixed responses. Many praised Franklin’s vulnerability and allyship, with users calling it a “powerful moment for gospel and Black families.” However, some expressed skepticism, referencing past family drama and Franklin’s earlier lyrics perceived as anti-LGBTQ+, like in his song “False Alarm,” where he addressed “casting out homosexuality.” One user tweeted: “Kirk Franklin is gay and im not gonna sit here n listen to this bullshit he understood homophobia when he was trynna beat the gay out of poor Kerrion.”
Franklin’s comments align with his history of challenging conservative Christian norms, positioning him as a bridge between faith and inclusivity. The full episode is available on podcast platforms, and clips continue to circulate widely. If you’re looking for more on their reconciliation or related discussions, let me know!