Soulforce: Queer Feminist Latinx Faith

In the season finale of Teología Sin Vergüenza — and the close of our very first English‑language season — host Reverend Alba Onofrio (Reverend Sex) and Soulforce Associate Director Nadia Arellano return to the heart of Queer and Feminist Latin American theology. Together, they revisit the conversations that shaped this season, reflecting on the wisdom shared by Queer and feminist Latine faith leaders, pastors, and theologians across the diaspora.For the first time, the hosts answer the same grounding questions they posed to every guest: What does it mean to be a Sinvergüenza? Who are your ancestors? Where is home? Their reflections open a tender, powerful dialogue about decolonial theology, language, spiritual resistance, and the healing work ahead. They also share a glimpse of their forthcoming book on spiritual violence, religious abuse, and spiritual healing strategies, which will be a primary focus of next season.Whether you’ve been with TSV since the Spanish‑language seasons or you joined us for this new chapter, this finale invites you into community, reflection, and shameless liberation.The Soulforce Podcast Channel will be taking a six‑week break after this week’s episode of Love Letters from Reverend Sex. This is the perfect time to catch up on any episodes you may have missed. We’d also love to hear from you — your feedback, questions, and ideas help shape what comes next. Connect with us on social media at @soulforceorg or send us an email at hello@soulforce.org.00:00 Introduction to Queer and Feminist Theology01:34 Season Finale and Reflections02:48 Language and Diaspora05:31 Bridging Gaps in Knowledge09:26 Highlights and Personal Reflections18:37 Embracing Shamelessness27:19 Exploring the Concept of Home30:38 The Body as a Home32:01 Reclaiming Our Bodies and Identities33:15 Honoring Our Ancestors39:39 The Power of Shamelessness45:51 Intergenerational Wisdom and Community53:22 Season Finale and Future PlansHosted by Rev. Sex (Rev. Alba Onofrio - Executive Director of Soulforce), this podcast channel offers connection, reflection, and community for anyone feeling spiritually marginalized or exiled but still resiliently faithful while centering dialogue on Queer, trans, and feminist theology.TSV seeks to decolonize faith, mixing theological education with real-life experiences to support human rights and liberation. Initially launched in Spanish, TSV addresses the monopolization of religious discourse by the far right. The platform gathers people of diverse Christian denominations, pastors, activists, and scholars to discuss gender identity, sex, and pleasure in the context of faith, aiming to heal the wounds of colonizing religion and create a welcoming space for topics often considered taboo in religious spaces. For the first time, Teología Sin Vergüenza is now in English.Join in our community of Sinvergüenzas by visiting our Teología Sin Vergüenza homepage or our Spanish WhatsApp Lista de Difusión. If you’d like to support this cutting-edge movement of ferocious Latinx power building, please make a donation.https://soulforce.org/donate/Find episode transcripts at https://soulforce.org/podcast/

In this season finale, host Nadia Arellano, Associate Director at Soulforce, guides listeners through a year-in-review from 'Friday From the Archives,' highlighting the organization's steadfast commitment to ending religious and political oppression of LGBTQIA+ people. This episode features 12 reflections that encapsulate the highs and lows of 2025, including escalating state-sanctioned violence, ICE raids, and the resilience of marginalized communities. Key voices from the Soulforce community, including Reverend Alba Onofrio, will present the reflections, sharing powerful messages of hope, resistance, and the enduring strength of the LGBTQIA+ community. Each reflection underscores the importance of solidarity, creative defiance, and unwavering commitment to justice amidst ongoing challenges.You’ll find the start time of each reflection listed below. Whether you listen in one sitting or savor a reflection each day, let this episode inspire your own end‑of‑year meditation. 00:00 Introduction to 12 Reflections from Soulforce: A 2025 Retrospective04:15 Reflection #1 We’re still here Read by: Rev. Alba Onofrio10:20 Reflection #2 The Serpentdove Read by: Bryony Dick16:39 Reflection #3 Gratitude and hope Read by: Orion Johnstone26:36 Reflection #4 Holy troublemakers Read by: Maura Fernandez 34:40 Reflection #5 ICE raids and standing against supremacy Read by: Nadia Arellano40:52 Reflection #6 No Kings, Yas Queens Read by: Cole Parke-West49:29 Reflection #7 Relentless Resistance Read by: Meg Sharkey58:12 Reflection #8 We are the ones we’re waiting for Read by: phoenix rahel01:05 Reflection #9 Our future is not set Read by: Andrea Cappa 01:13:52 Reflection #10 Doing the work, connecting community Read by: Anar Amin01:20:52 Reflection #11 Responding to ICE’s Spiritual Terrorism Read by: Andrea Cappa01:30:44 Reflection #12 Changing the narrative Read by: Maura Fernandez01:39:47 Conclusion: Until next yearThis episode marks the season finale of Friday From the Archives. After next week’s finale of TSV: Shameless Theology and Love Letters from Reverend Sex, the Soulforce Podcast Channel will take a six‑week break before returning with a new season in early 2026. In the meantime, we invite you to revisit past episodes you may have missed, share your favorite moments with friends, and send us your feedback or suggestions for next season. Your voices help shape the future of this show, and we look forward to returning with even more powerful conversations. Leave a comment on this episode wherever you listen to podcasts, find us on social media @soulforceorg or email us at hello@soulforce.orgFriday From the Archives is hosted by Nadia Arellano, the Associate Director of Soulforce. The other content on this channel is Hosted by Rev. Sex (Rev. Alba Onofrio - Executive Director of Soulforce). Soulforce’s podcast channel offers connection, reflection, and community for anyone feeling spiritually marginalized or exiled but still resiliently faithful while centering dialogue on Queer, trans, and feminist theology.The platform gathers people of diverse Christian denominations, pastors, activists, and scholars to discuss gender identity, sex, and pleasure in the context of faith, aiming to heal the wounds of colonizing religion and create a welcoming space for topics often considered taboo in religious spaces.Join in our community of Sinvergüenzas by visiting our Teología Sin Vergüenza homepage or our Spanish WhatsApp Lista de Difusión. If you’d like to support this cutting-edge movement of ferocious Latinx power building, please make a donation.https://soulforce.org/donate/Find episode transcripts at https://soulforce.org/podcast/

In this Advent episode, Reverend Sex reframes joy as a form of sacred resistance—one that refuses the binary logic of white Christian Supremacy. Drawing from decolonial theology, queer Latina spirituality, and Marian devotion, the episode invites listeners to hold grief and joy together while recovering Mary—not as a symbol of submission, but as a protagonist in a long lineage of anti‑imperial resistance.Key ThemesResisting Binary Thinking: How white Christian Supremacy trains us to see the world in opposites (good/bad, order/chaos, straight/gay) and why liberation requires rejecting those frames.Joy as Resistance: Joy is not denial of grief or injustice; it is a deep, embodied commitment to a future shaped by justice, mercy, and collective liberation.Mary Reclaimed: Mary as Theotokos and freedom fighter—rooted in a resistance community under Roman occupation.Our Lady of Guadalupe: An indigenous apparition appearing amid colonial violence—affirming the divine worth of Indigenous peoples and the persistence of ancestral resistance.Scripture & Sacred TextsLuke 1:46–55 — The Magnificat (Canticle of Mary)Notable ReflectionsJoy and sorrow are not opposites; they coexist within the full human experience.Mary’s “yes” is not passive obedience but a courageous commitment to a costly, liberative future.Ancestral memory and resistance sustain hope across generations.Prayer & PracticeSit with moments of joy without guilt, even amid grief or rage.Reflect on Mary’s Magnificat as a personal and communal commitment to justice.Honor ancestral legacies of resistance that make present joy possible.Hosted by Rev. Sex (Rev. Alba Onofrio - Executive Director of Soulforce), this podcast channel offers connection, reflection, and community for anyone feeling spiritually marginalized or exiled but still resiliently faithful while centering dialogue on Queer, trans, and feminist theology.The platform gathers people of diverse Christian denominations, pastors, activists, and scholars to discuss gender identity, sex, and pleasure in the context of faith, aiming to heal the wounds of colonizing religion and create a welcoming space for topics often considered taboo in religious spaces.Join in our community of Sinvergüenzas by visiting our Teología Sin Vergüenza homepage or our Spanish WhatsApp Lista de Difusión. If you’d like to support this cutting-edge movement of ferocious Latinx power building, please make a donation.https://soulforce.org/donate/Find episode transcripts at https://soulforce.org/podcast/

Rev. Alba welcomes CasSandra Calin,  a queer, feminist, Black-Cuban healer, who is passionate about spirit work, identity, divinity and pleasure. Together, they explore what it means to claim shamelessness as a spiritual, political, and embodied practice, especially for Black, queer, and diasporic people whose lives have been shaped by religion, race, gender, and colonial identity rubrics.CasSandra reflects on growing up with multilayered shame coded as holiness, humility, and goodness—stories reinforced by Christianity and white Christian Supremacy that fractured connection to body, desire, culture, and self. From reclaiming Cuban identity without fluency or permission, to navigating Afro-Latinidad, anti-Blackness, exoticization, and erasure, this episode traces a powerful arc from performance and respectability toward belonging in one’s own body. CasSandra and Rev. Alba talk about diaspora, the queer and trans church in Cuba, ancestral recognition, and the profound healing that happens in community.The conversation moves into spiritual violence—how God-language is weaponized to justify harm—and the slow, liberatory work of shedding those narratives. Rev. Alba shares how queerness, therapy, prayer, food, fire, poetry, and nature have become sites of resistance, healing, and pleasure. We discuss the difference between being “gay” and being queer, agency as a spiritual muscle, therapy as ministry, and the questions that can ground us in an overwhelming political moment. We close by honoring ancestors—blood, chosen, intellectual, poetic—and the feminine, magnetic, expansive lineages that make survival, joy, and freedom possible.CasSandra Calin (she/her/hers) is a queer, feminist, Black-Cuban healer, who is passionate about spirit work, identity, divinity and pleasure. She has recently returned to school to obtain her Doctorate of Social Work. Her intention is to study the mental and spiritual wellness of LGBTQ+ activists. CasSandra is overjoyed to have been a part of Soulforce’s work to sabotage white Christian Supremacy since she first joined the 2015-16 Soulforce Southeast House Fellowship.Hosted by Rev. Sex (Rev. Alba Onofrio - Executive Director of Soulforce), this podcast channel offers connection, reflection, and community for anyone feeling spiritually marginalized or exiled but still resiliently faithful while centering dialogue on Queer, trans, and feminist theology.TSV seeks to decolonize faith, mixing theological education with real-life experiences to support human rights and liberation. Initially launched in Spanish, TSV addresses the monopolization of religious discourse by the far right. The platform gathers people of diverse Christian denominations, pastors, activists, and scholars to discuss gender identity, sex, and pleasure in the context of faith, aiming to heal the wounds of colonizing religion and create a welcoming space for topics often considered taboo in religious spaces. For the first time, Teología Sin Vergüenza is now in English.Join in our community of Sinvergüenzas by visiting our Teología Sin Vergüenza homepage or our Spanish WhatsApp Lista de Difusión. If you’d like to support this cutting-edge movement of ferocious Latinx power building, please make a donation.https://soulforce.org/donate/Find episode transcripts at https://soulforce.org/podcast/

In this intimate “Love Letter,” Reverend Sex reflects on Advent’s theme of peace through a decolonial, justice-centered lens, challenging the idea that peace is simply the absence of conflict. Instead, this episode invites listeners into a deeper understanding of peace as integrity, sacred rest, and the spiritual discipline of doing the best we can amid injustice, exhaustion, and collective grief. From personal storytelling to global witness, the letter names the tension between “no justice, no peace” and the holy invitation to remain grounded, connected, and accountable to ourselves, our communities, and the divine.This episode offers a prayerful meditation for sacred timekeepers, agitators, caregivers, and anyone struggling to imagine peace in a world shaped by violence and displacement. Reverend Sex explores peace as an interdependent practice—rooted in trust, compassion, and shared responsibility—and invites listeners to practice a form of holy rest that does not abandon the work of liberation, but sustains it. The episode closes with a communal prayer and a call to share, reflect, and continue building life-giving, decolonized faith spaces together.Hosted by Rev. Sex (Rev. Alba Onofrio - Executive Director of Soulforce), this podcast channel offers connection, reflection, and community for anyone feeling spiritually marginalized or exiled but still resiliently faithful while centering dialogue on Queer, trans, and feminist theology.The platform gathers people of diverse Christian denominations, pastors, activists, and scholars to discuss gender identity, sex, and pleasure in the context of faith, aiming to heal the wounds of colonizing religion and create a welcoming space for topics often considered taboo in religious spaces.Join in our community of Sinvergüenzas by visiting our Teología Sin Vergüenza homepage or our Spanish WhatsApp Lista de Difusión. If you’d like to support this cutting-edge movement of ferocious Latinx power building, please make a donation.https://soulforce.org/donate/Find episode transcripts at https://soulforce.org/podcast/

What does it mean to create a church that includes everyone? From marginalized youth, to underprivileged families, all the way to the virtual realm where those who can't attend in person worship can find community online?In this vibrant episode, host Reverend Sex and guest Yadi Martínez-Reyna explore unique facets of ministry with a focus on queer inclusion and creative solutions. The conversation dives into personal experiences of advocacy, the creation of safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth, and radically inclusive practices within both real and virtual communities. Rev. Yadi shares their journey from a conservative upbringing in Texas to becoming a prominent figure in youth ministry and an ordained pastor in the virtual realm of Second Life. The episode highlights the innovative approaches used to support marginalized youth and the significance of providing inclusive spiritual care. Additionally, it touches on the personal challenges and rewards of raising a grandchild and re-learning approaches to education and parenting. Listeners are invited to reflect on the profound impact of community, radical authenticity, and creative adaptability.00:35 Identity and Shamelessness02:26 Life on the Border04:30 Challenges in Youth Ministry05:41 Innovative Youth Ministry Approaches11:13 Creating Safe Spaces for LGBTQ+ Youth21:03 Navigating Ministry in a Virtual World31:36 A Unique Baptism Experience32:50 Virtual Reality and Accessibility35:05 Memorials in Virtual Worlds37:06 Continuing a Legacy45:41 The Role of a Virtual Pastor48:07 Personal Reflections and Family Life56:06 Ancestral Wisdom and GratitudeThe Rev. Yadi Martínez-Reyna (M.Div.) is bilingual Latinx gender non-binary artist, a borderlander, a certified Spiritual Director, and founder of Color Splash Out, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating safe and brave spaces for LGBTQ+ Youth and their ally friends. Rev. Yadi is a co-pastor at First UCC in Second Life (firstuccsl.org), a virtual church with real standing in the Southern California Nevada Conference of the United Church of Christ. Hosted by Rev. Sex (Rev. Alba Onofrio - Executive Director of Soulforce), this podcast channel offers connection, reflection, and community for anyone feeling spiritually marginalized or exiled but still resiliently faithful while centering dialogue on Queer, trans, and feminist theology.TSV seeks to decolonize faith, mixing theological education with real-life experiences to support human rights and liberation. Initially launched in Spanish, TSV addresses the monopolization of religious discourse by the far right. The platform gathers people of diverse Christian denominations, pastors, activists, and scholars to discuss gender identity, sex, and pleasure in the context of faith, aiming to heal the wounds of colonizing religion and create a welcoming space for topics often considered taboo in religious spaces. For the first time, Teología Sin Vergüenza is now in English.Join in our community of Sinvergüenzas by visiting our Teología Sin Vergüenza homepage or our Spanish WhatsApp Lista de Difusión. If you’d like to support this cutting-edge movement of ferocious Latinx power building, please make a donation.https://soulforce.org/donate/Find episode transcripts at https://soulforce.org/podcast/

Reverend Sex invites listeners into an intimate reflection on sacred time, queer survival, and the fierce, embodied hope we carry into the Advent season. Coming to us in a moment of exhaustion, tenderness, and deep yearning for connection, Rev. Sex opens up about the loss many of us feel after leaving church spaces—particularly the loss of shared ritual, rhythm, and timekeeping that once gave shape to our lives.As the community enters the first week of Advent, Rev. Sex reclaims this season as a site of resistance to consumerism and despair, offering an invitation to find grounding outside the pressures of capitalism, comparison, and holiday perfectionism. Instead, Rev. Sex centers the ancient practice of preparing for light in the darkest time of year—a reminder shared by many cultures long before Christianity.This episode explores:Why sacred time matters, especially for those who’ve left traditional religious spacesAdvent as a queer and decolonial practice, and a counter-ritual to capitalist holiday frenzyThe complexity of hope, and why hopelessness has become one of our community’s most dangerous epidemicsRejecting passive optimism and the “Deus ex Machina” myth that someone else will save usHope as embodied commitment—a gritty, resilient, deeply grounded force that rises bloodied but unbrokenHow LGBTQIA+, immigrant, feminist, and earth-based communities embody hope generation after generationPrayer as both intention and action, and how hope works the same wayBuilding a future where we thrive, through sustained collective resistanceHosted by Rev. Sex (Rev. Alba Onofrio - Executive Director of Soulforce), this podcast channel offers connection, reflection, and community for anyone feeling spiritually marginalized or exiled but still resiliently faithful while centering dialogue on Queer, trans, and feminist theology.The platform gathers people of diverse Christian denominations, pastors, activists, and scholars to discuss gender identity, sex, and pleasure in the context of faith, aiming to heal the wounds of colonizing religion and create a welcoming space for topics often considered taboo in religious spaces.Join in our community of Sinvergüenzas by visiting our Teología Sin Vergüenza homepage or our Spanish WhatsApp Lista de Difusión. If you’d like to support this cutting-edge movement of ferocious Latinx power building, please make a donation.https://soulforce.org/donate/Find episode transcripts at https://soulforce.org/podcast/

Reverend Sex and guest Jessica Vazquez Torres engage in a profound discussion about the complexities of identity, faith, and home within the context of the Puerto Rican diaspora. The conversation explores various personal experiences and reflections, spanning topics from the significance of familial and cultural terms, the challenges and transformative potential of diasporic existence, to the spiritual and political dimensions of community building. Key themes include the nuanced intersection of religion and colonialism, and how Latino communities navigate their multifaceted identities while striving for liberation. The episode concludes with a touching reflection on ancestral influence and the imperative of creating meaningful connections for future generations.00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:13 Exploring Identity and Personal Connections03:55 Defining Home and Diaspora06:46 Navigating Diasporic Experiences09:23 The Role of Community and Belonging23:19 Faith, Religion, and Cultural Identity31:46 Colonial History and Its Impact37:21 Imposing Protestant American Christianity38:26 Impact of American Middle-Class Values39:33 Colonial Project and Diaspora41:09 Bad Bunny and Puerto Rican Identity48:01 Decolonization and Latinidad01:07:38 Spiritual Ancestors and HomeJessica Vazquez Torres (She/Her) is a 1.5 generation queer Latina of Puerto Rican descent shaped by 30 years living and working in the southern and midwestern United States. Based in Muwekma Ohlone Tribal land most commonly known as Oakland, CA, she brings over 20 years of experience organizing for racial justice—especially within religious institutions. Jessica’s intersectional lens and lived experience fuel powerful conversations on equity, identity, and transformation.Hosted by Rev. Sex (Rev. Alba Onofrio - Executive Director of Soulforce), this podcast channel offers connection, reflection, and community for anyone feeling spiritually marginalized or exiled but still resiliently faithful while centering dialogue on Queer, trans, and feminist theology.TSV seeks to decolonize faith, mixing theological education with real-life experiences to support human rights and liberation. Initially launched in Spanish, TSV addresses the monopolization of religious discourse by the far right. The platform gathers people of diverse Christian denominations, pastors, activists, and scholars to discuss gender identity, sex, and pleasure in the context of faith, aiming to heal the wounds of colonizing religion and create a welcoming space for topics often considered taboo in religious spaces. For the first time, Teología Sin Vergüenza is now in English.Join in our community of Sinvergüenzas by visiting our Teología Sin Vergüenza homepage or our Spanish WhatsApp Lista de Difusión. If you’d like to support this cutting-edge movement of ferocious Latinx power building, please make a donation.https://soulforce.org/donate/Find episode transcripts at https://soulforce.org/podcast/

This episode is a heartfelt exploration of prayer, aimed at those who feel alienated by traditional religious practices or believe that God doesn't want to hear from them. With an emphasis on God's omnipresence and the concept of 'Imago Dei,' Reverend Sex shares their personal belief that every individual carries a spark of the divine within them. The episode offers guidance on how to rekindle the practice of prayer through non-traditional methods and personal connections, encouraging listeners to find their unique way to communicate with the divine. The episode concludes with a prayer and a call to action for listeners to share their experiences and engage with the Soulforce community.00:00 Introduction to Love Letters with Reverend Sex00:51 Personal Reflections and Connection02:03 The Importance of Prayer02:50 Understanding the Divine and Imago Dei07:33 Reconnecting with Prayer11:20 Practical Tips for Prayer22:30 Dealing with Silence and Judgment25:42 Concluding Prayer and Final Thoughts29:59 Closing Remarks and Call to ActionHosted by Rev. Sex (Rev. Alba Onofrio - Executive Director of Soulforce), this podcast channel offers connection, reflection, and community for anyone feeling spiritually marginalized or exiled but still resiliently faithful while centering dialogue on Queer, trans, and feminist theology.The platform gathers people of diverse Christian denominations, pastors, activists, and scholars to discuss gender identity, sex, and pleasure in the context of faith, aiming to heal the wounds of colonizing religion and create a welcoming space for topics often considered taboo in religious spaces.Join in our community of Sinvergüenzas by visiting our Teología Sin Vergüenza homepage or our Spanish WhatsApp Lista de Difusión. If you’d like to support this cutting-edge movement of ferocious Latinx power building, please make a donation.https://soulforce.org/donate/Find episode transcripts at https://soulforce.org/podcast/

Host Rev. Alba Onofrio welcomes Arelis Figueroa, who discusses the day to day details of accompanying migrants to court dates and protecting them from ICE. Arelis also shares their journey from the Dominican Republic to New York. They discuss the importance of decolonial theology, the struggles of the immigrant community, and the essential work of organizing for justice. They dive into themes of mental health, resurrection, and the power of community, while learning about influential figures within the liberation theology movement. This episode is a testament to the resilience and unwavering spirit of those who fight for a more inclusive and equitable world.00:00 Introduction to Queer and Feminist Theology01:50 Defining 'Sin Vergüenza' and Personal Experiences05:30 Journey to New York and Community Involvement07:03 Ministry and Advocacy Work11:46 Personal Journey and Faith19:51 Finding Home in People21:44 The Gift of Resurrection22:35 Mental Health and Faith26:39 Accompanying Immigrant Families29:13 Christian Nationalism and Liberation Theology37:47 Prophetic Imagination and New Creation39:43 Honoring Ancestors and Their LegacyArelis Figueroa is the Lead Pastor and Co-founder of La Iglesia del Pueblo and holds a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary. She has worked with marginalized communities in New York City for more than thirty years.Hosted by Rev. Sex (Rev. Alba Onofrio - Executive Director of Soulforce), this podcast channel offers connection, reflection, and community for anyone feeling spiritually marginalized or exiled but still resiliently faithful while centering dialogue on Queer, trans, and feminist theology.TSV seeks to decolonize faith, mixing theological education with real-life experiences to support human rights and liberation. Initially launched in Spanish, TSV addresses the monopolization of religious discourse by the far right. The platform gathers people of diverse Christian denominations, pastors, activists, and scholars to discuss gender identity, sex, and pleasure in the context of faith, aiming to heal the wounds of colonizing religion and create a welcoming space for topics often considered taboo in religious spaces. For the first time, Teología Sin Vergüenza is now in English.Join in our community of Sinvergüenzas by visiting our Teología Sin Vergüenza homepage or our Spanish WhatsApp Lista de Difusión. If you’d like to support this cutting-edge movement of ferocious Latinx power building, please make a donation.https://soulforce.org/donate/Find episode transcripts at https://soulforce.org/podcast/

In this episode of Soulforce’s ‘Friday from the Archives,' host Nadia Arellano introduces a powerful sermon by Reverend Alba Onofrio, also known as Reverend Sex, delivered during the Episcopal Church's Gender Justice Jam in 2025. The sermon explores the concept of being made in the image of God beyond the gender binary, drawing from Soulforce's resource 'The Gender of God and Creation.' Reverend Alba challenges traditional interpretations of Genesis 1 and emphasizes the expansive, inclusive nature of divine identity, using examples from Hebrew texts and feminine and plural imagery for God. The episode emphasizes the importance of a broader, more inclusive understanding of the divine and invites listeners to reimagine traditional religious texts in ways that affirm gender diversity and expressions of love.Friday From the Archives is hosted by Nadia Arellano, the Associate Director of Soulforce. The other content on this channel is Hosted by Rev. Sex (Rev. Alba Onofrio - Executive Director of Soulforce). Soulforce’s podcast channel offers connection, reflection, and community for anyone feeling spiritually marginalized or exiled but still resiliently faithful while centering dialogue on Queer, trans, and feminist theology.The platform gathers people of diverse Christian denominations, pastors, activists, and scholars to discuss gender identity, sex, and pleasure in the context of faith, aiming to heal the wounds of colonizing religion and create a welcoming space for topics often considered taboo in religious spaces.Join in our community of Sinvergüenzas by visiting our Teología Sin Vergüenza homepage or our Spanish WhatsApp Lista de Difusión. If you’d like to support this cutting-edge movement of ferocious Latinx power building, please make a donation.https://soulforce.org/donate/Find episode transcripts at https://soulforce.org/podcast/

In this episode of Love Letters, Reverend Sex introduces themself and discusses their background, the series' focus on queer and Latina identity, decolonial theology, faith, and gender justice. Rev. Sex explores the concept of the Gospel of the Erotic, inspired by Audre Lorde, as a deep life force and source of power for change. Reverend Sex shares her perspective on recognizing internal desires, dismantling patriarchal systems, and fostering community, emphasizing the importance of listening to the erotic for personal liberation and resistance against oppressive structures. The episode concludes with a prayer and an invitation for listeners to engage with the podcast and submit questions or stories for future discussions.00:00 Introduction to Love Letters with Reverend Sex00:51 Getting to Know Reverend Sex02:22 The Gospel of the Erotic02:29 Audre Lorde and the Power of the Erotic07:37 Ethics of Life and Theology08:52 The Erotic as a Source of Power12:59 Challenges of Traditional Christian Expectations17:16 Embracing the Erotic and Personal Power22:59 Closing Thoughts and Future PlansHosted by Rev. Sex (Rev. Alba Onofrio - Executive Director of Soulforce), this podcast channel offers connection, reflection, and community for anyone feeling spiritually marginalized or exiled but still resiliently faithful while centering dialogue on Queer, trans, and feminist theology.The platform gathers people of diverse Christian denominations, pastors, activists, and scholars to discuss gender identity, sex, and pleasure in the context of faith, aiming to heal the wounds of colonizing religion and create a welcoming space for topics often considered taboo in religious spaces.Join in our community of Sinvergüenzas by visiting our Teología Sin Vergüenza homepage or our Spanish WhatsApp Lista de Difusión. If you’d like to support this cutting-edge movement of ferocious Latinx power building, please make a donation.https://soulforce.org/donate/

Host Reverend Sex (Rev. Alba Onofrio) welcomes Karla Perez, a licensed mental health therapist with a rich background in social justice and community wellness, to discuss queer and feminist theology. Karla shares her journey of embracing her identity as both a queer, non-binary person and an ally turned advocate. The conversation covers the founding of Ministerio Latino, challenges and revelations in her personal life, and the significance of decolonial theology in addressing real-world issues. They also explore the complex dynamics of being an immigrant, spiritual displacement, and maintaining faith amid political and community challenges. The episode highlights the importance of intersectional support, community building, and spiritual resilience.00:00 Introduction to Queer and Feminist Theology01:29 Meet Karla Perez: A Journey of Intersectionality02:25 Exploring Identity and Breaking Norms05:36 Navigating Expectations and Personal Growth14:28 Founding Ministerio Latino: A Safe Haven22:54 Rediscovering Self in New Spaces29:49 The Concept of Home and Belonging34:27 Discussing the Current Political Climate35:01 Mental Health Advocacy in Arizona39:04 The Intersection of Faith and Activism45:35 Liberation Theology and Community Organizing48:13 The Experience of the Diaspora57:33 Spiritual Displacement and Ancestral Connections01:00:15 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsKarla Perez (She/Her/They/Them) is a licensed mental health therapist currently living near Phoenix, Arizona. Karla has 20 years’ experience working in social justice and community wellness as an organizer and is passionate about the intersection of mental health and justice-making. She is the co-founder of Ministerio Latino, a ministry and space for migrants and LGBTQIA+ folks to express their faith/spirituality and create support systems of accompaniment.Hosted by Rev. Sex (Rev. Alba Onofrio - Executive Director of Soulforce), this podcast channel offers connection, reflection, and community for anyone feeling spiritually marginalized or exiled but still resiliently faithful while centering dialogue on Queer, trans, and feminist theology.TSV seeks to decolonize faith, mixing theological education with real-life experiences to support human rights and liberation. Initially launched in Spanish, TSV addresses the monopolization of religious discourse by the far right. The platform gathers people of diverse Christian denominations, pastors, activists, and scholars to discuss gender identity, sex, and pleasure in the context of faith, aiming to heal the wounds of colonizing religion and create a welcoming space for topics often considered taboo in religious spaces. For the first time, Teología Sin Vergüenza is now in English.Join in our community of Sinvergüenzas by visiting our Teología Sin Vergüenza homepage or our Spanish WhatsApp Lista de Difusión. If you’d like to support this cutting-edge movement of ferocious Latinx power building, please make a donation.https://soulforce.org/donate/Find episode transcripts at https://soulforce.org/podcast/

In this heartfelt episode, Reverend Sex delves into the pervasive and damaging effects of conversion therapy, addressing those who have experienced it firsthand. They explore the societal and religious pressures to conform to heteronormative standards and discuss the flawed theology of original sin that perpetuates these harmful practices. Offering a contrasting perspective, Reverend Sex champions the idea of original blessing, celebrating the natural diversity and inherent goodness in all individuals. The episode concludes with a prayer for freedom, acceptance, and the embracement of one's true self.Hosted by Rev. Sex (Rev. Alba Onofrio - Executive Director of Soulforce), this podcast channel offers connection, reflection, and community for anyone feeling spiritually marginalized or exiled but still resiliently faithful while centering dialogue on Queer, trans, and feminist theology.The platform gathers people of diverse Christian denominations, pastors, activists, and scholars to discuss gender identity, sex, and pleasure in the context of faith, aiming to heal the wounds of colonizing religion and create a welcoming space for topics often considered taboo in religious spaces.Join in our community of Sinvergüenzas by visiting our Teología Sin Vergüenza homepage or our Spanish WhatsApp Lista de Difusión. If you’d like to support this cutting-edge movement of ferocious Latinx power building, please make a donation.https://soulforce.org/donate/Find episode transcripts at https://soulforce.org/podcast/

Reverend Sex welcomes guest ana g. lara lópez. They discuss their identification as a 'sinvergüenza' and their paths through gender identity, sexual identity, and overcoming intergenerational trauma. The guest shares a transformative moment of self-realization, choosing life amidst chronic pain and societal oppression. The conversation explores the guest's activism, including their involvement with the Freedom Church of the Poor and the Kairos Center for Religions Rights and Social Justice. They delve into systemic poverty, social justice, and the intersections of faith and activism. The narrative continues with insights into the guest's family background, particularly their mother's resistive spirit, and their experiences in both Guatemala and the US. The episode emphasizes themes of community support, intergenerational care, and the importance of rituals in fostering connection and healing. It concludes with a reflection on the importance of a ministry of presence and the guest's commitment to building a world where everyone's needs are met through love, justice, and collective effort.00:00 Welcome and Introductions00:33 Defining Identity and Self-Discovery03:08 A Transformative Moment05:02 Commitment to Liberation and Love08:27 Ministry and Organizing Work11:58 Understanding Poverty and Systemic Issues18:53 Personal Journey and Lineage of Resistance27:33 A Friend's Call and a Journey of Healing28:59 Organizing for Community and Self30:05 The Intersection of Ministry and Organizing31:14 Answering the Call to Seminary32:39 Grief and New Beginnings39:16 Ministry of Presence47:36 Home and Diaspora51:42 Lineage and Ancestral Guidanceana g. lara lópez, MDiv (They/She) is an organizer, minister, and Coordinator of Freedom Church of the Poor Care & Engagement. Rooted in Guatemala and shaped by global liberation movements of dispossessed peoples, ana’s work is grounded in the dismantling of capitalism, white supremacy, ableism, and patriarchy—with an unwavering commitment to collective liberation.They build community through a trauma-informed, intergenerational, and disability justice–centered praxis, organizing people to remember, reclaim, and revel in their shared power, beauty, and belonging.Learn more about the Kairos Center and Freedom Church of the Poor, and check out their new book We Pray Freedom: Liturgies and Rituals from the Freedom Church of the Poor at karioscenter.org or on socials @kairoscenternycHosted by Rev. Sex (Rev. Alba Onofrio - Executive Director of Soulforce), this podcast channel offers connection, reflection, and community for anyone feeling spiritually marginalized or exiled but still resiliently faithful while centering dialogue on Queer, trans, and feminist theology.TSV seeks to decolonize faith, mixing theological education with real-life experiences to support human rights and liberation. Initially launched in Spanish, TSV addresses the monopolization of religious discourse by the far right. The platform gathers people of diverse Christian denominations, pastors, activists, and scholars to discuss gender identity, sex, and pleasure in the context of faith, aiming to heal the wounds of colonizing religion and create a welcoming space for topics often considered taboo in religious spaces. For the first time, Teología Sin Vergüenza is now in English.Join in our community of Sinvergüenzas by visiting our Teología Sin Vergüenza homepage or our Spanish WhatsApp Lista de Difusión. If you’d like to support this cutting-edge movement of ferocious Latinx power building, please make a donation.https://soulforce.org/donate/Find episode transcripts at https://soulforce.org/podcast/

In this intimate witching-hour love letter, Reverend Sex speaks to those who were once taught to fear their magic, distrust their ancestors, and turn away from ritual and remembrance. This episode arrives during the season of Halloween, Samhain, and Día de los Muertos in order to reclaim what was taken from us in the name of purity, control, and white Christian Supremacy.In This EpisodeReverend Sex shares:💫 A midnight meditation on finding each other in a chaotic world💫 The painful erasure of ancestral practices under white Christian Supremacy💫 A call for faith communities to reclaim ministries of death, ritual, and care💫 The spiritual and political power of ancestor work💫 Confronting complicated lineages — colonizer and colonized, heroes and harm-doers💫 The sacred task of tending to the stories we inherit and the futures we shapeThis episode honors those who were denied their histories — and those who are courageously reclaiming them.A Blessing from This EpisodeOur dead are still very much alive.Their legacies live in our bones, our breath, our choices.To remember them is to remember ourselves — and to heal what history tried to erase.🌌 Take This With YouYou are not alone.Your people are with you — even the ones you never met, even the ones you wrestle with.There is power in remembering, and holiness in repair.🖤 For Those Who Need to Hear ItThis love letter is for every church kid who was told magic was dangerous,every queer child who lost their ancestors to doctrine,every soul learning to speak again with the dead,and every heart choosing remembrance over forgetting.📣 ConnectHosted by Rev. Sex (Rev. Alba Onofrio - Executive Director of Soulforce), this podcast channel offers connection, reflection, and community for anyone feeling spiritually marginalized or exiled but still resiliently faithful while centering dialogue on Queer, trans, and feminist theology.The platform gathers people of diverse Christian denominations, pastors, activists, and scholars to discuss gender identity, sex, and pleasure in the context of faith, aiming to heal the wounds of colonizing religion and create a welcoming space for topics often considered taboo in religious spaces.Join in our community of Sinvergüenzas by visiting our Teología Sin Vergüenza homepage or our Spanish WhatsApp Lista de Difusión. If you’d like to support this cutting-edge movement of ferocious Latinx power building, please make a donation.https://soulforce.org/donate/Find episode transcripts at https://soulforce.org/podcast/

Host Rev. Sex engages in a profound conversation with Dr. Norma Ramirez, discussing the intersections of undocumented status, shame, gender, and spirituality within the context of their personal and professional life. The dialogue navigates the parallels between political and religious shame, the influence of harmful theological narratives, and the significance of reclaiming one's inherent worth. Emphasizing collective healing and spirituality, they also explore the unknown aspects of a relationship with God and the importance of ancestral wisdom and interconnectedness in the journey toward justice and healing.00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:35 Understanding 'Sinvergüenza'01:51 Personal Experiences of Shame and Guilt03:27 Parallels Between Political and Religious Shame06:19 Theological Education and Personal Reflections10:20 Navigating Emotions and Trauma15:55 Maintaining Humanity in Challenging Times24:39 Facing Terror and Uncertainty28:54 Exploring the Origins of Messages and Belonging30:01 Checking In With Yourself and Questioning Messages32:15 Navigating Shame, Gender, and Sexuality40:43 The Journey Through Seminary and Faith42:42 The Mystery of God and Personal Struggles43:54 Fighting for DACA and Personal Resilience50:26 Words of Wisdom and Ancestral Connections53:42 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsDr. Norma Ramirez (She/ Her/ Ella) is a California and Nevada licensed psychologist dedicated to serving diverse populations, including undocumented immigrants, first-generation professionals, neurodivergent individuals, and the LGBTQ community. A passionate immigrant advocate, Dr. Ramirez was a plaintiff against DACA's 2017 rescission and has been recognized by the Biden and Harris Administration as a Latinx leader. Her professional approach is deeply influenced by her own marginalized identities, spirituality, activism, and varied professional roles.Hosted by Rev. Sex (Rev. Alba Onofrio - Executive Director of Soulforce), this podcast channel offers connection, reflection, and community for anyone feeling spiritually marginalized or exiled but still resiliently faithful while centering dialogue on Queer, trans, and feminist theology.TSV seeks to decolonize faith, mixing theological education with real-life experiences to support human rights and liberation. Initially launched in Spanish, TSV addresses the monopolization of religious discourse by the far right. The platform gathers people of diverse Christian denominations, pastors, activists, and scholars to discuss gender identity, sex, and pleasure in the context of faith, aiming to heal the wounds of colonizing religion and create a welcoming space for topics often considered taboo in religious spaces. For the first time, Teología Sin Vergüenza is now in English.Join in our community of Sinvergüenzas by visiting our Teología Sin Vergüenza homepage or our Spanish WhatsApp Lista de Difusión. If you’d like to support this cutting-edge movement of ferocious Latinx power building, please make a donation.https://soulforce.org/donate/Find episode transcripts at https://soulforce.org/podcast/

In this Love Letter, Rev. Sex grapples with the traditional Christian belief that non-Christians and individuals who do not conform to certain religious norms are destined for hell. Reflecting on personal experiences and teachings within the queer and trans community, the speaker questions whether a loving God would condemn people to eternal damnation. The conclusion is to decolonize their faith by rejecting a controlling and punitive image of God, and instead embracing a more inclusive and compassionate understanding of Christianity.00:00 Questioning Eternal Damnation19:12 Struggling with Traditional Teachings19:30 The Queer and Trans Perspective19:48 Redefining Faith and God19:59 Decolonizing ReligionHosted by Rev. Sex (Rev. Alba Onofrio - Executive Director of Soulforce), this podcast channel offers connection, reflection, and community for anyone feeling spiritually marginalized or exiled but still resiliently faithful while centering dialogue on Queer, trans, and feminist theology.The platform gathers people of diverse Christian denominations, pastors, activists, and scholars to discuss gender identity, sex, and pleasure in the context of faith, aiming to heal the wounds of colonizing religion and create a welcoming space for topics often considered taboo in religious spaces.Join in our community of Sinvergüenzas by visiting our Teología Sin Vergüenza homepage or our Spanish WhatsApp Lista de Difusión. If you’d like to support this cutting-edge movement of ferocious Latinx power building, please make a donation.https://soulforce.org/donate/Find episode transcripts at https://soulforce.org/podcast/

Host Reverend Sex engages in an illuminating conversation with Belén Morales about the intersections of queer, trans, feminist, and faith identities within the context of Latin American theology. They explore the concept of living without shame, the challenges of growing up in fundamentalist communities, and the journey to reclaim self-trust and spiritual autonomy. Belén provides insights into their experiences of disentangling white supremacist and patriarchal beliefs within the church, connecting the dots to the current political moment and the role of ICE agents. The episode delves deep into the importance of decolonial theology, body sovereignty, and the continuous cycle of endings and rebirths in the pursuit of equity and justice.00:00 Introduction to Queer and Feminist Theology01:28 Guest Introduction: Belén's Journey02:09 Growing Up in a Fundamentalist Context06:46 Discovering Queerness and Self-Trust12:46 Theological Studies and Awakening19:02 Connecting Theology with Social Justice31:58 Reflecting on Church Services and Capitalism32:48 Growing Up in a Predominantly Black and Brown Community34:21 The Influence of American Patriotism in Immigrant Churches35:56 The Role of Military Service and Gender Roles37:54 Connecting Political Education and white Christian Supremacy41:44 Theological Connections and Individualism49:41 Divesting from States and the Concept of Zionism56:25 End Times and Resurrection57:55 Defining Home and Ancestors01:01:18 Final Thoughts and GratitudeBelén Morales (She/They/Ella/Elle) is a Mexi-Salvi queer lesbian from Oakland, CA. She holds a BA in Biblical Studies and a MA in Systematic and Philosophical Theology. They are passionate about queer liberation both in and out of the church. Belén works as a non-profit strategist and has worked with an array of social justice organizations to maximize their impact.Hosted by Rev. Sex (Rev. Alba Onofrio - Executive Director of Soulforce), this podcast channel offers connection, reflection, and community for anyone feeling spiritually marginalized or exiled but still resiliently faithful while centering dialogue on Queer, trans, and feminist theology.TSV seeks to decolonize faith, mixing theological education with real-life experiences to support human rights and liberation. Initially launched in Spanish, TSV addresses the monopolization of religious discourse by the far right. The platform gathers people of diverse Christian denominations, pastors, activists, and scholars to discuss gender identity, sex, and pleasure in the context of faith, aiming to heal the wounds of colonizing religion and create a welcoming space for topics often considered taboo in religious spaces. For the first time, Teología Sin Vergüenza is now in English.Join in our community of Sinvergüenzas by visiting our Teología Sin Vergüenza homepage or our Spanish WhatsApp Lista de Difusión. If you’d like to support this cutting-edge movement of ferocious Latinx power building, please make a donation.https://soulforce.org/donate/Find episode transcripts at https://soulforce.org/podcast/

Today we bring you a conversation from the archives - Rev. Alba Onofrio, Nadia Arellano, Belén Morales, Maura Fernández Salas, Megan Sharkey, and Rev. Rhina Ramos discussing the spiritual violence of the ICE raids in Los Angeles and the ways that nonviolent resistance must be relentless, community-based, and founded on solidarity. They discuss the fragile nature of the regime's power and the overwhelming strength of Latine people across the USA.Friday From the Archives is hosted by Nadia Arellano, the Associate Director of Soulforce. The other content on this channel is Hosted by Rev. Sex (Rev. Alba Onofrio - Executive Director of Soulforce). Soulforce’s podcast channel offers connection, reflection, and community for anyone feeling spiritually marginalized or exiled but still resiliently faithful while centering dialogue on Queer, trans, and feminist theology.The platform gathers people of diverse Christian denominations, pastors, activists, and scholars to discuss gender identity, sex, and pleasure in the context of faith, aiming to heal the wounds of colonizing religion and create a welcoming space for topics often considered taboo in religious spaces.Join in our community of Sinvergüenzas by visiting our Teología Sin Vergüenza homepage or our Spanish WhatsApp Lista de Difusión. If you’d like to support this cutting-edge movement of ferocious Latinx power building, please make a donation.https://soulforce.org/donate/Find episode transcripts at https://soulforce.org/podcast/