The Rev. Dr. Tommie Watkins, Jr.

The Rev. Dr. Tommie Lee Watkins Jr. is the a Graduate Professor at the University of Alabama, Birmingham School of Social Work. He also is a spiritual director, behavioral scientist, social worker, former mathematics professor and, commercial pilot. He works also part time as a Behavioral Health Social Worker. Rev. Watkins completed his joint Doctorate in Philosophy degree from the Universities of Alabama, Tuscaloosa and University of Alabama, Birmingham, School of Public Health in August 2013. Rev. Dr. Watkins graduated from The General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church, New York City in May 2016 Cum Laude with his Masters of Divinity (M.Div) degree. He has several publications on religiosity, spirituality, sexuality and health as well as a workbook: God’s Gift: Sexuality and Spirituality available at his website: http://twgllc.biz/articlesvideos/. Currently, Rev. Dr. Father Watkins is the only African-American Priest in the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama and the first openly gay Black clergy ever ordained in that diocese. He continues to enjoy flying privately, reading, writing, and traveling being especially enamored with South Africa. His company website www.twgllc.biz which contains his book information, Living Out Loud, news print and video of his struggle of self-acceptance as an openly gay clergy are available. His favorite quote of Dr. King’s, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” As such, Rev. Dr. Watkins is compelled to continue to Live Out Loud.