LGBTQIA+ and Religious

Note: I list these resources with a disclaimer that these can be helpful resources, but the lived experiences of every individual, including the authors, are so wide-ranging. Hence, I don’t mean these books to be prescriptive or descriptive, but hopefully it can just provoke some thoughts and emotions. I would love to receive feedback on how you find them and talk through any reactions/discomfort.

• Sissy by Jacob Tobia (Book). “A heart-wrenching, eye-opening, and giggle-inducing memoir about what it's like to grow up not sure if you're (a) a boy, (b) a girl, (c) something in between, or (d) all of the above.” - Goodreads. It is quite rare to have someone identify as queer and christian, so I appreciate Tobia’s voice and integration. 
  

• Holy Runaways by Matthias Roberts (Book). Roberts is a queer psychotherapist and author. “Holy Runaways speaks to people who are feeling ignored, oppressed, or rejected by their religious community and church, offering a path forward built on speaking truth, deep listening, and acting with compassion…Roberts reaches out to those who, like him, want to understand the religion they’ve run from and erect a new faith on firmer foundations. He concludes that the best blueprint for a new spiritual home requires reimagining ourselves, God, and our very definition of faith. Roberts blends deeply personal stories, new interpretations of familiar Christian parables, and recent scholarship about the dynamics of trauma to offer a way forward–and a warm, helpful companion–for readers on their own journeys.” - Roberts’ Website
  

• Out of Focus by Amber Cantorna-Wylde (Book). Cantorna-Wylde’s father is a Focus on the Family executive–what! I respect her and the vulnerability and courage it took to come out to her family. “A blend of heart-wrenching memoir and astute cultural analysis, Out of Focus will help heal individuals harmed by evangelicalism’s toxic influence and inspire Christian communities to pursue a path of love and inclusion.” - Goodreads
  

• Unclobber by Colby Martin (Book). I highly recommend reading the second edition with his second foreward where he describes his reflections as a straight man after publishing the first edition. This book is a good example of what I wrote above of things/thoughts/opinions/feelings being complex. 
  

• Hijab Butch Blues by Lamya H (Book). “A queer hijabi Muslim immigrant survives her coming-of-age by drawing strength and hope from stories in the Quran in this daring, provocative, and radically hopeful memoir.” - Goodreads
  

• Dayspring by Anthony Oliveira (Book). The author posted, “i wrote a book! It's about being gay and getting fucked in the butt by god but like in a god-honouring way. you should read it!”
  

• Mormon No More (TV Series). I have watched through this four times, and it wrecks me every time. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone, but there were some scenes that really healed my heart. 

Last modified: August 2024.