Queerology: A Podcast on Belief and Being

Brenda Marie Davies is an author, podcaster and YouTuber. Her channel God Is Grey—a guide to becoming an inquisitive, fearless, SEX POSITIVE, free thinking Christian in the modern world —has over 135,000 subscribers. Her debut book, On Her Knees: Memoir of a Prayerful Jezebel, chronicles Brenda’s spiritual journey over the course of a decade in LA, through marriage, divorce, unlikely friendship, and sexual exploration. Told with raw honesty, sans obligatory shame, this is a story for anyone who wonders if it’s possible to love God without fearing sex, in all its shades of grey. Recorded live from the GooseCast podcast stage at Wild Goose Festival. This episode is brought to you by the 2022 Q Christian Fellowship Conference. Use code QUEEROLOGY to save 10% off your registration at qcfconf.org. Links and Resources: Q Christian Fellowship Conference Brenda Marie Davies God Is Grey on Youtube Brenda on Instagram On Her Knees: Memoir of a Prayerful Jezebel Masterclass: 4 Practices You Can Start Now to Move Beyond Shame Queerology Podcast on Instagram Queerology Podcast on Twitter Beyond Shame by Matthias Roberts Matthias Roberts on Patreon

This episode first aired Sep 10, 2019. Rev. Dr. Yvette Flunder (she, her), a San Francisco native, has served her call through prophetic action and ministry for justice for over thirty years. This call to “blend proclamation, worship, service and advocacy on behalf of those most marginalized in church and in society” led to the founding of the City of Refuge United Church of Christ in 1991. In 2003, Rev. Dr. Flunder was consecrated Presiding Bishop of The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries, a multi-denominational coalition of over 100 primarily African American Christian leaders and laity. Rev. Dr. Flunder is on the Board of Starr King School for the Ministry and DEMOS and has taught at many theological schools. She is a graduate of the Certificate of Ministry and Master of Arts programs at PSR, and received her Doctor of Ministry from San Francisco Theological Seminary. She is also an award-winning gospel music artist and author of Where the Edge Gathers: A Theology of Homiletic and Radical Inclusion. This episode is brought to you by the 2022 Q Christian Fellowship Conference. Use code QUEEROLOGY to save 10% off your registration at qcfconf.org. Links and Resources: 2022 Q Christian Fellowship Conference Where the Edge Gathers: A Theology of Homiletic and Radical InclusionCity of Refuge United Church of ChristMasterclass: 4 Practices You Can Start Now to Move Beyond Shame Queerology Podcast on Instagram Queerology Podcast on Twitter Beyond Shame by Matthias Roberts Matthias Roberts on Patreon

Jamie Lee Finch is a sexuality and embodiment coach, speaker, poet, and author of "You Are Your Own: A Reckoning with the Religious Trauma of Evangelical Christianity". She's coached over 400 people in the past 5 years and sees her role in her work as that of a conflict mediator between human beings and their bodies. She's just released her very first online course called "Your Body is a Person" that walks you through her entire methodology and practice of Personified Embodiment Links and Resources: Jamie Lee Finch Website Your Body is a Person Course Jamie's free 10-day Course You Are Your Own Book Masterclass: 4 Practices You Can Start Now to Move Beyond Shame Queerology Podcast on Instagram Queerology Podcast on Twitter Beyond Shame by Matthias Roberts Matthias Roberts on Patreon

Samson Turinawe is the Executive Director of Universal Love Alliance (ULA), a Ugandan humanitarian, educator and human rights defender. He believes that "every human being should be respected simply for being who they are, a part of Life's creation." Tolerance, inclusiveness, love, compassion, dialogue and reconciliation are all central themes in his work. Through his teaching and activism, Samson is working for a new generation -- one that is open-minded, open-hearted, diversity-embracing, and committed to serving all of humanity. Links and Resources: Universal Love Alliance Masterclass: 4 Practices You Can Start Now to Move Beyond Shame Queerology Podcast on Instagram Queerology Podcast on Twitter Beyond Shame by Matthias Roberts Matthias Roberts on Patreon

Emily Regenstreif has supportive parents. The best thing that they could do and ever did was to listen and then wanting to learn and know more by asking questions. Emily grew up queer in Portland, Oregon, in a Jewish faith community. She had a lovely and lucky experience — very different from the traumatic backgrounds of others who grew up queer in faith communities. That’s not Emily’s story. Emily is a 31-year-old receptionist who spends most of her free time playing Dungeons and Dragons as well as writing her first novel, which she has been working on since she was 18 years old. Topics Discussed: Faith Forms Identity: Emily’s supportive journey with queerness being JewishJonas Brothers to Julia Stiles: Emily’s evolution of queerness started with a girlComing out to friends, family, and faith community was easy for EmilyAttraction vs. Asexuality: There’s far more to being a person than sexExploration: Be comfortable with who and what you are to feel free, not shamefulReligious Trauma: Luckily, Emily’s challenges weren’t related to queerness, faithChoosing My Religion: Converting to Judaism was Emily’s choice over churchProud Every Day: Emily never felt need to project or celebrate Pride Month Links and Resources: Emily Regenstreif on Twitter Queer Youth Faith (QYF) Day Queerology - QYF Day: Don’t Give Up Everything You Believe In and Everyone You Love (rerelease) Boy Erased Masterclass: 4 Practices You Can Start Now to Move Beyond Shame Queerology Podcast on Instagram Queerology Podcast on Twitter Beyond Shame by Matthias Roberts Matthias Roberts on Patreon

Julie Rodgers is a writer, speaker, and leader in the movement working for full inclusion for LGBTQ people in Christian communities. She played a significant role in shutting down Exodus International, the largest conversion therapy organization in the world, and she was also the first openly gay person to be hired by an evangelical Christian college. She is featured in Pray Away (2020), a documentary about the movement to pray the gay away. Her writing has been featured in Sojourners, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Time. She lives with her wife in Washington, DC. Her new book, Outlove: A Queer Christian Survival Story, is a memoir of her experience growing up evangelical, while knowing she was gay. It’s about love and losses, political and religious power-plays, and the cost to those who sought to stay in a faith community that wouldn’t accept them. For more queer reflections on faith, public life, and chosen family, join Julie’s substack, Reimagining Belonging. Topics Discussed: Faith & Identity: Lesbian, queer, Christian, cat mom with conflicting, complex faithComing Out, Conversion, Coping: Julie didn’t want to change, but initially gave inDon’t be a part of something that makes you hate and harm yourself or othersWho to trust? Choose to question or follow religious leaders or your own truthBreaking Point: Reality behind closed doors vs. belief that things are changingPray the Gay Away: Story that is still present reality in today’s worldReasons for Disconnect: Lack of nuance and understanding in liberal spacesSave Yourself, Not Everyone: Don’t stay rooted in trauma; live and thrive Links and Resources: Julie Rodgers Outlove Pray Away Reimagining Belonging The Faith and Justice Network The Trevor Project Masterclass: 4 Practices You Can Start Now to Move Beyond Shame Queerology Podcast on Instagram Queerology Podcast on Twitter Beyond Shame by Matthias Roberts Matthias Roberts on Patreon

How are you celebrating national Queer Youth of Faith (QYF) Day on June 30, 2021? On this episode of Queerology, a panel celebrates the life, creativity, and gifts of queer youth of faith. The panel includes Ameera, a trans-Svengolie American Muslim; Taline, a bisexual Armenian Christian; Daniel, a gay Jew; and Sebastian, a trans-Christian. Happy QYF Day! Topics Discussed: QYF Panel: How each identifies and how faith formed their identityHonor, Celebrate, Center: Importance and meaning of QYF Day to each panelistAffirming Theology: Spread awareness that God doesn’t hate youQueer Realization: Born this way and the continual struggle to find hope and supportAdvice: Nobody’s perfect, don’t change, you’re not alone, find your people Links and Resources: QYF Day Beloved Arise Rebel Youth Group Kevin Garcia on YouTube Masterclass: 4 Practices You Can Start Now to Move Beyond Shame Queerology Podcast on Instagram Queerology Podcast on Twitter Beyond Shame by Matthias Roberts Matthias Roberts on Patreon

Melissa Weisz and Pelayo Alvarez are hosts of the Forbidden Apple Podcast, which creates space for LGBTQ+ people to reclaim their spirituality—whatever that means to them. Melissa is a former Orthodox Jew. Although she came out as queer, Melissa adores her family and the Hasidic Jewish community in which she was raised. As an actor, producer, and writer, Melissa aims to uplift the voices of marginalized people and communities. Pelayo is originally from Spain and was raised catholic. He now lives in New York City and works for The United Nations in the field of international relations and global affairs. Pelayo is passionate about discovering how different people around the world live their spirituality and appreciates what makes each story powerful.  He asks for practical advice and takeaways from different life perspectives and uses them for personal development and growth. Also, Pelayo has a YouTube channel where he curates life-changing ideas with a fun twist. As hosts of the Forbidden Apple Podcast, Pelayo wants to prove that although people celebrate religion and spirituality in so many ways, at the same time, they share so much in common; Melissa wants the podcast to become a platform that gives people a voice, creates a community, and celebrates queerness. Topics Discussed: Faith and Identity: Observe other faiths to learn, love, and understand themSpiritual Toolbox: Difference between appropriation versus appreciationPodcast Purpose: Deep conversations about religion, spirituality, and queernessDeconstruction: What’s religion? Faith? Spirituality? Different but same elementsMeaningful Blessings: What works and what doesn’t when reclaiming wordsSpiritual vs. Religious: What’s the separation? Good and right, or bad and wrongDivine Virtue: 81% of queer people in U.S. grow up in some organized religionDiscover Why: Do you follow traditional values/morals or free to make your own? Links and Resources: Melissa Weisz Pelayo Alvarez Pelayo Alvarez’s YouTube Channel The Forbidden Apple Podcast Your Spiritual Toolbox Queer Virtue by Elizabeth Edman Ross Murray from GLAAD Made, Known, Loved: Developing LGBTQ-Inclusive Youth Ministry by Ross Murray Find Your Why by Simon Sinek Rev. Elizabeth Edman on the Inherent Queerness of Christianity Masterclass: 4 Practices You Can Start Now to Move Beyond Shame Queerology Podcast on Instagram

Rev. Debra J. Hopkins is a native New Yorker and trans woman of color who believes that there’s always hope because words have power and everybody can be a voice for change through action, activism, and community involvement. We can all help put an end to the social and economic discrimination that's ever present in this country. Debra is the Founder of There's Still Hope, a non-profit organization that provides a Transitional Housing Program for transgender adults, trans victims of domestic violence, and trans individuals released from the correctional institutional system. Debra earned her Masters of Theology degree from New York Theological Seminary and is a licensed non-denominational minister. She is actively involved in ministry through pastoral care, writing, and community activism. She is the author of three books and three anthologies, including her memoir, Not Until You Have Walked In My Shoes. Through it all, Debra continues to spend time traveling around the country advocating for the marginalized people within the LGBTQIA community. Topics Discussed: Faith/Identity: Formed via self-discovery of development, foundational footingTransition: Vehicle to expand audience and not allow naysayers’ negativityWords of Advice: Be authentic and use the tools that God has given youCommunity, therapy, and honesty brings healing, understanding, and activismLook in the Mirror: Convey the truth of life and how we should be treated equallyThere’s Still Hope: After losing it all, being homeless, and trying to clear namePlatforms: Build, exercise, and cultivate spiritual, mental, and physical muscles Links and Resources: Rev. Debra J. Hopkins There's Still Hope Not Until You Have Walked In My Shoes Christine Jorgensen a Personal Autobiography The Shack Movie Masterclass: 4 Practices You Can Start Now to Move Beyond Shame Queerology Podcast on Instagram Queerology Podcast on Twitter Beyond Shame by Matthias Roberts Matthias Roberts on Patreon

Blair Imani is a critically acclaimed historian, author, educator, and influencer living at the intersections of black, bi-sexual, and Muslim identity. Blair’s viral microlearning series, Smarter In Seconds, demonstrates her signature style of making abstract concepts more concrete in a well-researched, well-presented, and concise manner. Also, Blair is the author of Read This to Get Smarter: About Race, Class, Gender, Disability, and More, Making Our Way Home: The Great Migration and the Black American Dream, and Modern HERstory: Stories of Women and Nonbinary People Rewriting History. Blair’s work centers women and girls, global black communities, and the LGBTQ community. She is dedicated to making the world a better place and amplifying the voices and work of those fighting the good fight.  Topics Discussed: Faith and Identity: Too many identity labels and faith-based assumptionsBecoming Muslim: Right path to express self-understanding externallyIslam Education: Beautiful and innovative approach to replace fear, bullyingPuzzle Piece: Perfection eludes people of faith, but being Muslim fit in perfectlyChristian Parents: Not there to tell you what to think, but how to thinkAbility vs. Disability: Intelligence is how information is absorbed and duplicatedIndividualism: People are not always ordained to have basic human rightsHuman Interaction: Set boundaries and treat others with respect to build trust Links and Resources: Blair Imani Blair Imani on Instagram Blair Imani on YouTube Blair Imani on Patreon Smarter In Seconds Read This to Get Smarter: about Race, Class, Gender, Disability, and More Making Our Way Home: The Great Migration and the Black American Dream Modern HERstory: Stories of Women and Nonbinary People Rewriting History The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald Benjamin Rush Carl Linnaeus Tila Tequila Carlos Valieri on Degrassi Diversity of Sexual Orientation - Kinsey Institute GLAAD Masterclass: 4 Practices You Can Start Now to Move Beyond Shame Queerology Podcast on Instagram Queerology Podcast on Twitter Beyond Shame by Matthias Roberts Matthias Roberts on Patreon

Daniel Howell is known for his self-deprecating and sarcastic humor, but he has also spoken and written about his struggles with depression and sexuality. This mix of entertainment with the profound and deeply personal has given Daniel a devoted following of fans. Daniel is one of the world’s most popular and celebrated entertainers. He has written and produced comedy videos on YouTube that have reached more than one-billion views and millions of followers. Also, Daniel has two #1 New York Times best-selling books, The Amazing Book is Not on Fire and Dan and Phil Go Outside, two stage shows with sellout world tours, and an award-winning BBC Radio 1 show. Daniel’s new book, You Will Get Through This Night: A Practical Mental Health Guide with consultation from Dr. Heather Bolton, is an affirmation and call to action. Daniel describes lessons learned in spite of failures, depression, and anxiety. Getting well was a completely unplanned journey.  Topics Discussed: Faith and Identity: Agnostic Atheist - God probably doesn’t existBe Happy: Christian or not, define your own meaning and purpose of lifeDaniel’s Depression: Understanding mental health and spectacular ignoranceYouTube: Vulnerability led to first example of being treated positively by humanityComing Out vs. Being Outed: Some kind of gay and that is okayPractical Tips: Be present, feel comfortable, practice gratitude, and get help Links and Resources: Daniel Howell You Will Get Through This Night: A Practical Mental Health Guide Daniel Howell’s YouTube Channel The Amazing Book is Not on Fire Dan and Phil Go Outside Dan and Phil Radio Show Masterclass: 4 Practices You Can Start Now to Move Beyond Shame Queerology Podcast on Instagram Queerology Podcast on Twitter Beyond Shame by Matthias Roberts Matthias Roberts on Patreon

Jonathan Parks-Ramage is a Los Angeles-based novelist, screenwriter, and journalist. His debut novel, Yes, Daddy, is out today! Yes, Daddy follows an ambitious young man named Jonah Keller, who is searching for a way to get out from under his religious upbringing. He is lured by an older, successful playwright into a dizzying world of wealth and idyllic Hamptons home where things take a nightmarish turn.   Jonathan’s writing has been published in VICE, Slate, OUT, W, Atlas Obscura, Elle, and Medium. He has lectured on journalism and creative non-fiction at Fordham University. Also, he is an alumnus of the 2018 and 2019 Bread Loaf Writers' Conferences. Jonathan and his screenwriting partner, Marla Mindelle, recently sold their musical feature film screenplay, The Big Gay Jamboree, to Paramount Pictures. The film is executive produced by Margot Robbie, an Academy Award nominated actress. Topics Discussed: Identity and Faith: Jonathan’s journey as a spiritually searching queer manParents: Both were preachers, accepted their son, but were afraid to tell anyoneEarly Bloomer Being Bullied: Difficult to be yourself at church, home, and schoolSpiritual Reawakening: Jonathan’s path toward being queer and a ChristianTruth in Fiction: Jonah experiences similar narrative of sexual, spiritual trauma#MeToo/Perfect Victim: Everyone enters into relationships for different reasonsStorytelling: Who are you, explore parts of yourself, and make a difference Links and Resources: Jonathan Parks-Ramage’s Website Jonathan Parks-Ramage on Instagram Yes, Daddy Amazon Studios New Abbey Church Reality Church of Los Angeles Bryan Singer's Accusers Speak Out Know My Name by Chanel Miller The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk Queerology Podcast on Instagram Queerology Podcast on Twitter Beyond Shame by Matthias Roberts Matthias Roberts on Patreon

Tara Teng is an embodiment coach who works in the intersections of spirituality and sexuality. Alongside collaborative work with community stakeholders, lawmakers, and organizations, Tara spent more than 10 years working to advance the socioeconomic status of women to diminish sexual violence and end human trafficking. Tara’s advocacy has helped to pass new laws in Canada that protect victims of human trafficking, and she established that country’s first municipal action plan to combat human trafficking. Also, Tara is a TEDx speaker, former Miss Canada, and was named “Canada’s Women of the Year” in 2011. She is one of the Globe and Mail’s “Top 25 Most Transformational Canadians,” received an International Heroes award from the Joy Smith Foundation, and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal in recognition of her human rights work. Topics Discussed: Faith and Identity: Bisexual, bi-racial Asian-Canadian, Christian-mystic womanDeconstruction: Evolve and question everything around you and within yourselfShift in Faith: Jesus and his love for people and his hatred of injusticeEmbodiment: Power systems/structures use our bodies for profit and controlDisembodiment and Segregation: Reclaim and reconnect with pieces of selfIntersectionality: Expressing our queerness, makes us a target, but it’s necessaryPolyamory: Connection and commitment to relationship needs and boundaries Links and Resources: Tara Teng Tara Teng on Instagram Tara Teng - TEDx Speaker Queer Youth of Faith Art Contest (Beloved Arise) 2022 Q Christian Fellowship Conference Masterclass: 4 Practices You Can Start Now to Move Beyond Shame Queerology Podcast on Instagram Queerology Podcast on Twitter Beyond Shame by Matthias Roberts Matthias Roberts on Patreon

Abi Robins returns to to talk about their brand new book, “The Conscious Enneagram: How to Move from Typology to Transformation.” Abi identifies as a queer, non-binary trans person, parent, fiancée, Enneagram teacher/coach, and Yoga Therapist. Abi trained at The Narrative Enneagram and International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT). They created the Conscious Enneagram Website and social media platform, host the Conscious Construction Podcast, and founded the Queer Enneagram. Topics Discussed: Contemplative Christian: Faith is in flux more than identitiesWhat is the Enneagram, and how to use it for spiritual growth?Real Magic: Spiritual and religious leanings and language make senseLineage: Who are we connected to and can we trace that?Community: Reinfuses faith with missing mystical aspect, cultural competencyEnneagram: 9-pointed symbol of how energy becomes manifest in the universeIndividuation: Being an individual is important and brings more valueNo Direction: Gain insight, get grounded, and grow with a teacher, communityPersonality Types/Numbers: Right religion will make you and your life better Links and Resources: The Conscious Enneagram: How to Move from Typology to Transformation Conscious Enneagram Website Conscious Enneagram on Instagram Conscious Enneagram on Twitter Conscious Enneagram on Facebook Conscious Enneagram on YouTube Conscious Construction Podcast Queerology Podcast: Abi Robins is Queering the Enneagram Queerology Podcast: Suzanne Stabile on the Enneagram We Have All Hit a Wall - The New York Times Queer Youth of Faith Art Contest (Beloved Arise) 2022 Q Christian Fellowship Conference Masterclass: 4 Practices You Can Start Now to Move Beyond Shame Queerology Podcast on Instagram Queerology Podcast on Twitter Beyond Shame by Matthias Roberts Matthias Roberts on Patreon

Rachael Ward (they/them) is a public theologian and LGBTQ activist. Currently, Rachael is pursuing a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Practical Theology - pastoral care at Columbia Theological Seminary. Rachael is the creator of the Living-Death Doula Model for Pastoral Care and cofounder of Bible Queery, a facilitation collective geared toward queer wellness and reconstruction.  Rachael lives with their wife, Chelsea, and two fur-babies in Atlanta where they focus on talking about and working around death, grief, and death doulas. Topics Discussed: Upbringing: Faith did not help form identity, but kept Rachael from their identityWhat if I am gay? Shameful hiding and living a double lifeLife and Death Matters: Birth is beautiful burst of life, death is dark and terribleLiving-Death Narratives: Grief keeps disembodied beings stuckWhat is available pastorally? Affirming theology (a.k.a. the Biblical case)Persistent Queer Themes: Disassociation, minimizing, and spiritual rationingLiving-Death Directives: Start with zero expectations and consent conversationsSteps to a Better Life: Facilitation, accessible writing, and meaningful help Links and Resources: Rachael Ward’s Website - Queer in Faith Living-Death Doula Bible Queery American Academy of Religion (AAR) Mosaic Grief by Melissa Kelley Peter Levine from the Ergos Institute, Inc. Howard Thurman Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés Pure by Linda Kay Klein 2022 Q Christian Fellowship Conference Masterclass: 4 Practices You Can Start Now to Move Beyond Shame Queerology Podcast on Instagram Queerology Podcast on Twitter Beyond Shame by Matthias Roberts Matthias Roberts on Patreon

Grace Semler Baldridge, who professionally goes by the artist’s name, ‘Semler,’ is a self-identified sad, queer, folk artist.​ Semler created the docuseries, State of Grace on Refinery29, where she explores what it means to identify as a Christian and a member of the LGBTQ community. The docuseries was nominated for a GLAAD Award for Outstanding Digital Journalism. Also, you may know Selmer from her two TV shows, Murder With Friends and Pop Trigger. Just a few weeks ago, Selmer made history by being the first-ever out queer person to top the Christian music charts with her new album, Preacher’s Kid. Topics Discussed: Faith and Identity: Queer who rediscovered clear sense of self via deconstructionGreat Movements: Starts with something small that peaks interest and curiosityLeading Example: Dad, an Episcopal priest, was loving, affirming, and acceptingWider Church Culture: Not spared from questioning mixed messages, rulesPreacher’s Kid: Compilation of honest, raw, explicit, processed Christian musicInch of Peace: Reflecting on church camps, but not moved by the spiritPainful to Pray: Pro Christians who abuse others by acting in the name of GodJesus From Texas: Learn that blessings are sins; own both the blessing and painDifferent Worship Experience: Make space for complex relationships with creator Links and Resources: Grace Semler Baldridge on Twitter Grace Selmer Baldridge on Instagram Grace Selmer Baldridge on TikTok Under Our Roof Podcast State of Grace on Refinery29 Preacher’s Kid Jesus From Texas on SoundCloud Murder With Friends Pop Trigger Jennifer Knapp Pure by Linda Kay Klein Masterclass: 4 Practices You Can Start Now to Move Beyond Shame Queerology Podcast on Instagram Queerology Podcast on Twitter Beyond Shame by Matthias Roberts Matthias Roberts on Patreon

Crystal Cheatham is an LGBTQ rights activist, host of Lord Have Mercy, and founder of two projects—Our Bible App and the IDentity Kit, which help people ditch toxic theology to find spiritual wellness.​ Our Bible App’s The Deconstructionists Playbook takes writers and readers from deconstruction to reconstruction to liberation theology. Since 2011, Crystal has worked as a ghostwriter and queer rights activist with Soulforce and The Attic Youth Center.  As an outspoken activist, Crystal has written about the intersections of faith and sexual identity for the Huffington Post; a faith and spirituality column for the Philadelphia Gay News; served on the steering committee of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) as the Faith and Spirituality chair; and partnered with Equality PA to influence clergy to support non-discrimination legislation. Crystal received her MFA from Antioch University. Topics Discussed: Faith, Identity: Crystal is a very out and proud black lesbian progressive ChristianFaith Community: Where no piece or part of Crystal feels unloved or unsupportedPassionate People: No need to apply pressure, protests for positive outcomesMy People: Didn’t have to fight to be included; create your own new spacesVisionary, not Verbal Leader: Publish uplifting, not problematic languageThe Deconstructionists Playbook: Deconstruct, reconstruct, and liberate theologyGod-in-a-Box Mentality: Epic churning and reckoning of faith in nation’s historyEvolve Organically: Faith and religion are more personal than allowed to be Links and Resources: Crystal Cheatham Our Bible App The Deconstructionists Playbook by Our Bible App — Kickstarter Bemba Press Lord Have Mercy Podcast Soulforce The Attic Youth Center Equality PA Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Vanderbilt University Divinity School The Black Trans Prayer Book Bad Theology Kills by Kevin Garcia 2022 Q Christian Fellowship Conference Queerology Podcast on Instagram Queerology Podcast on Twitter Beyond Shame by Matthias Roberts Matthias Roberts on Patreon

Recorded live from the Brian M. Eckstein Podcast Stage at the 2021 Q Christian Fellowship Conference (via Zoom). Join Matthias as he sits down with Coach Yeamah, a gifted teacher and coach who serves LGBTQIA+ Christians who struggle to make peace with their faith and sexuality. Yeamah has built a beautiful community of queer believers and allies on Instagram, and she hosts a weekly live talk show and podcast that supports, inspires, educates, and encourages the community to live their full authentic selves as queer Christians. Yeamah can be found at: www.yeamah.com@coachyeamah on Instagram

Being brave is not easy, it’s a tough battle—sound familiar? With the holidays and reality of the world we are living in, it’s worth repeating this episode of Queerology with Candice Czubernat. ​ Candice is a therapist and founder of The Christian Closet, an LGBTQ-affirming counseling, coaching, and spiritual direction organization. Also, Candice is the founder of Gloriously Queer, a conference for LGBTQ people of faith developed by LGBTQ people of faith. As a therapist, Candice helps individuals and couples worldwide navigate complex mental health experiences while living as queer people of faith. Candice was named one of the “10 Pro-LGBT Religious Women You Should Know” by The Advocate. She is a seasoned blogger, speaker, and author on LGBTQ Christianity and mental health issues. Candice graduated from the Moody Bible Institute and The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology. Candice identifies as a lesbian and Christian, who lives in California with her wife and their 5-year-old twins. Topics Discussed: LGBT and Christian: Lesbian is a really long word, easier to say gay or queerQueer Piece of Faith: Terrifying sin or specially knitted gift from God?Queer Mental Health: Suffering? Stunted? Don’t hide how God created youMental Health Practice: It may not be perfect or what you thought it would beHeartbreaking Proof: Everybody’s got issues, who caused and created damage?Trust Your Heart: Self-love turns you toward holiness, selflessness, gentlenessRadical Self-Acceptance: You’re not alone and you deserve love; visualize voicesMental Health Diagnosis and Medication: Taboo topics people don’t talk aboutProfessional Investment: Take pride in doing something to stop shame, suffering Links and Resources: Candice Czubernat The Christian Closet Gloriously Queer Candice Czubernat on Twitter Candice Czubernat on Facebook The Advocate: “10 Pro-LGBT Religious Women You Should Know” Dr. Kristin Neff on Self-Compassion Henri Nouwen's Books Robyn Henderson-Espinoza Queerology, Episode 38 with Candice Czubernat - Queer Mental Health Q Christian Fellowship Virtual Conference (Code: Queerology2021 for $10 off) Queerology Podcast on Instagram Queerology Podcast on Twitter Beyond Shame by Matthias Roberts Matthias Roberts on Patreon

Chavonn Williams Shen is a poet, artist, educator, and activist from Minneapolis. ​ Winner of the Still I Rise grant, first runner-up for the Los Angeles Review Flash Fiction Contest, and Best of the Net Award finalist, Chavonn is also a Pushcart Prize nominee, winner of the Mentor Series in Poetry and Creative Prose through the Loft Literary Center, and fellow through the Givens Foundation for African American Literature.  As a Tin House and VONA workshop alum, Chavonn’s poetry and prose have appeared in Yemassee, the Los Angeles Review, Permafrost Magazine, and Cosmonauts Avenue.    Chavonn uses art as a practice of resilience and resistance. By using and teaching poetry, writing becomes an act of healing.  When not teaching with the Minnesota Prison Writing Workshop, Chavonn’s time is spent obsessing over house plants. Topics Discussed:  Faith Forms Identity: One foot in the north, one in the deep south as a storytellerAncient Text: Remix, adapt, and make stories more malleableCareer Path: Cognitive science and psychology versus English and writingFellowships: Apply for what you want - to be on stage, reading, and writingPoetry and Therapy: Way to help people protest and heal from traumaPeople’s Hands: Words and colors capture who they are and what they doReclaim Language: Carve out composition space without marginalized writersWriting Exercises: Name everything and everyone around you that is true Book of Prayer Poems: Writing poetry is spiritual practice for well-beingWhat does rest look like? Meditation and resistance  Links and Resources:  Chavonn Williams ShenChavonn Williams Shen on FacebookChavonn Williams Shenn on TwitterMinnesota Prison Writing Workshop (MPWW)The Nap Ministry - Rest as ResistanceQ Christian Fellowship Virtual Conference (Code: Queerology2021 for $10 off)Queerology Podcast on InstagramQueerology Podcast on Twitter Beyond Shame by Matthias RobertsMatthias Roberts on Patreon