Loving Promiscuously: A Queer Theology of Doing It

The Anarchist Reverend, in conjunction with the Sanctuary Collective Empowerment Project, has called upon bloggers and writers to share in a synchroblog on queer theology. Thinking about how I wanted to begin to creatively reflect on such a task of writing a queer theology, I was immediately taken back to when I was planning a queer chapel service at Harvard Divinity School.

My queer friends and I gathered to plan a chapel service that would be hosted by the LGBTQ student group. As we thought about how we would order the service, what message, songs, and 'scripture' we wanted to share during this time of worship and fellowship, we were left with one question: What is queer worship?

After moments of sitting in silence while we all tried to think of some sophisticated and thoughtful way of responding, we all, almost unison, all blurted out: SEX! This response couldn’t be more appropriate and it’s the theme I wish to reflect on in this queer theology synchroblog.

Announcing New Book: Outspoken

Over the years I have blogged and written about the importance of storytelling. I’ve described storytelling as social protest. I continue to make the argument that stories serve as a critical witness to empower people to forge a path toward social change.

It’s been almost five years since I began using my own stories of coming out at a Christian college, surviving a gay exorcism, and discovering a way to reconcile my faith with my sexuality; all in hopes of instilling a sense of hope and encouragement in the lives of other LGBTQs.

Less than a year ago, I began to think: I should tell a story about storytelling.

Introducing a New Chapter in My Life!

Over the past few years I've been giving thought to how I want to advance the art and power of storytelling. Not just the work that comes from telling my own story and experiences, but finding a way to support the stories we all tell. The things we all write about. And the subjects we're all concerned with.

The past couple of years I've been working on major book projects. One is complete and others are forthcoming. Through the process of writing my own work and finding ways for my essays and larger projects to get published, I realize there are not too many opportunities for emerging writers to get their ideas and work out there in published form. And frankly, that's unacceptable. These voices of young emerging writers offer a refreshing and critical outlook on society that's invaluable for our movement and culture at large. That being so, I've envisioned for a while creating a way for young writers to have the opportunity to get their work published. Well, my dreams have come into fruition!

This month I launched Ruca Press, an independent publisher of serious works of non-fiction and fiction that engage the intersectionality of race, gender, sexuality, religion, and society—with an emphasis projects from young adults, LGBT/Queers, and people of color.

The "Ex-Gay Friend" in Our Lives

Last week a New York Times article shared the personal story of a gay friend turned "ex-gay." As a young man, Michael Glatze seemed very happy and at peace with who he was as a gay-identified individual. Until after some life changing events, he no longer felt that homosexuality was a natural disposition, nor an acceptable identity.

As I read through the article I could see myself in Michael's story. As an ex-gay survivor I once felt and believed the same things he explains as to why he chose to go ex-gay.

Sadly, our stories are not unique and isolated experiences. However, the reasons why Michael chose to go ex-gay and my own reasons do differ quite a bit. But again, even his reasons for going ex-gay is not unique. While religion and theology may play a role in convincing some that homosexuality is a sin and in need of repair, there is usually more at work in the decision to put oneself through reparative therapy.

Encouraging Bible Verses for LGBTs and Other Writings

In the past weeks, I've been doing some writing away from my blog, so I thought it'd be useful to at least share the links to said writings. First, I've been thinking about my coming out experience lately, and how I felt confused and very vulnerable as a Christian trying to understand my same-sex attractions. Through this reflection on my long and difficult journey out of the closet, I wrote an article on encouraging Bible verses for LGBTQ folk working their way out of the closet.

Recently I've also written a poem reflecting on religion and power as a queer person. This is the very first time I've ever publicly shared one of my poems. As I work more within the genre of creative writing (poetry, short stories, etc.) I thought sharing this piece would be a step in the right direction.

A lastly, I wrote an article on some of the changes ahead for LGBTQ life at Harvard through my own perceptions as a queer Harvard student.