Nestled in East Charlotte, there’s a kitten-loving optimist who is consistently “working towards bringing more love into the world.” From social worker to clergy member, Amanda Weatherspoon is a self-love enthusiast who lives a life defined by running an organization with the hope of finding things that make her heart sing.
Originally hailing from Tennessee, Weatherspoon is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and received her Master of Divinity at Starr King School of Ministry in Berkeley, California. With a warm smile and an open heart, she relocated to Charlotte from the DMV area (Silver Spring, Maryland) a mere two years ago.
In that time, she’s made an impact on Charlotte’s spiritual community and all others lucky enough to cross her path. During this interview, we learned more about the life and passions of Weatherspoon and her hopes for the future of our community.
L’Monique King: What brought you to Charlotte?
Amanda Weatherspoon: A job. I moved here to serve a congregation; I’m an ordained minister at the Unitarian Universalist Community of Charlotte. I’m the congregation’s first Black Queer minister.
LMK: Is pastoring how you make your livelihood?
AW: Yes, pastoring is my full-time job.
LMK: What’s your connection to the LGBTQ+ community? How do you identify?
AW: I use the umbrella term queer. I’m a queer woman and I’m pansexual.
LMK: Are you currently partnered?
AW: No, I’m single but would love to be.
LMK: Describe your ideal partner.
AW: Someone who would like to really live and experience life. Someone who is settled, mature, has a job, pays their bills and still has a love and curiosity for life. I’m not a homebody and love being a part of the community, so I’d love being with someone who enjoys having fun but has different interests than me – but is also aligned in our values. And oh, someone who is handy, I try my hand at DIY projects but am not great at it, so someone who could help me build a fence would be great <chuckling>.
LMK: So, a good date for you and your perfect partner: Would it be a stroll through a park or a walk on the beach?
AW: Beach.
LMK: Understanding your connections with the faith-based community, as a clergy person, have you had any personal issues reconciling your religion with your identity?
AW: No, I haven’t. I wouldn’t be part of a religion that required me to reconcile those two things. The Unitarian Universalist (UU) faith is not a Christian-based religion. It is progressive, affirming and welcoming to all. People have a hard time accepting that a clergy person does not have to be Christian. I’m a spiritual humanist who believes in the worth and dignity of every person.
LMK: Understanding the toll it can take to support others, what’s your self-care routine like?
AW: I do a lot of hot yoga. I also love doing art, crafting and singing. I’m part of One Voice Chorus and immediately joined One Voice Chorus when I moved here. It’s how I found community and met a lot of my friends. I love going out to see my friends perform.
LMK: Name your top five people who have inspired you.
AW: My mom, Adrian Marie Brown, Audre Lorde, Octavia Butler and Alice Walker.
LMK: What’s your superpower?
AW: I don’t think I have a superpower, but I love connecting with people; meeting people where they are – it’s a skill I honed throughout the years in so many different ways.
LMK: You have such a positive outlook on life. What makes you frown?
AW: <Long pause> There’s a lot of things in this world right now that make me frown. This administration. Being put into boxes – in terms of my identity. Thinking of how harsh and cruel people have become, [it all] makes me frown.
LMK: On a lighter note, what’s the best gift you can ever recall receiving?
AW: <Without hesitation> Life. That’s the best gift I’ve received.
LMK: With that gift of life, when you travel, what’s your favorite travel destination?
AW: I hate airports and don’t love planes, but I love a road trip. I have been to Mexico (Playa del Carmen) and really enjoyed that. I love the culture, the people, the food, the beaches, the tropical environment. My Spanish is rusty now – it was better when I traveled there years ago – and immersion helps. It’s easier to speak a language when you’re in a place.
LMK: Home or abroad, what’s the worst meal you’ve ever eaten or food you avoid the most?
AW: I don’t like hot dogs; I find them disgusting. I’ve never liked them, never will. Also don’t like bologna or spam; they’re meat products that just gross me out.
LMK: Do you have any plans for Pride season?
AW: I will be going to Ultraviolet: a Sapphic Dance Party, and One Voice’s Summer Show in August. I’ll also be marching in the Pride parade with One Voice and my congregation.
LMK: When you think about your life 10 years from now, what’s your future look like?
AW: It’s hard to even think about 10 days from now. I hope to be still in my congregation and am very open to the possibilities of the future.
LMK: Before we let you go, would you mind leaving our youth a word of encouragement regarding the importance of self-love?
AW: Self-love is not an object to obtain or even an end goal; it’s a process that is nurtured and cultivated over time. It starts with authenticity, and that is a courageous and brave thing to be in this world. It can’t be purchased or manufactured – it starts with acts of owning and embracing who you are at any given moment. Whether you’re a young person, in the middle of life or elderly, you’re always going to be with yourself and evolving; therefore, self-love will also be transforming. Love is a radical act. And loving yourself is revolutionary.
