Queerology: A Podcast on Belief and Being

Rachel Kurtz is a Minneapolis-based singer/songwriter who has been touring and singing for almost 20 years. Her powerhouse voice and heartfelt performances have been electrifying crowds in Atlanta’s Georgia Dome, New Orleans’ Superdome, Texas’ Alamo Dome, and hundreds of other concert venues from coast to coast. Recently, she came out as queer and released her new single “Gay Kids” a love song to every queer kid out there, from a queer mom. Links + ResourcesRachel's WebsiteGay Kids Music VideoDonate to Rachel's WorkAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Matthew Paul Turner is a New York Times bestselling author of multiple books, including his Children’s books — When God Made You and When I Pray For You. His newest children’s book, I Am God’s Dream released last week.Matthew’s writing career started nearly 20 years ago, and he has published a book every year. Called “one of Christianity’s fresh voices” by Publisher’s Weekly, Matthew’s other notable works include Our Great Big American God, Churched, Coffeehouse Gospel and The Christian Culture Survival Guide.But, when he came out nearly two years ago and announced an impending divorce with his wife, his entire career was threatened. Today we’re chatting about his experience coming out and what he has learned along the way. Links + ResourcesI Am God's DreamMatthew Paul Turner's WebsiteMatthew on TwitterMatthew on InstagramJoin Matthias and Dr. Robyn Henderson Espinoza on May 12 at The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology as they engage in conversation around Dr. Robyn's new book Body Becoming: A Path to Our Liberation. This event has both in-person and online attendance options. All the details can be found at https://theseattleschool.edu/event/body-becoming-a-path-to-our-liberation/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Bridget Eileen Rivera is a sociologist completing her Ph.D. at the City University of New York Graduate Center. She’s the author of “Heavy Burdens: Seven Ways LGBTQ+ Christians Experience Harm in the Church.”Today she chats with Matthias about the ways LGBTQ+ people are harmed in the church, especially in regards to forced celibacy. She explains how she uses her choice to be celibate to undermine traditional arguments and carve a path for all LGBTQ+ people.Links + ResourcesBridget's WebsiteBridget's BlogHeavy Burdens BookBridget on InstagramBridget on TwitterJoin Matthias and Dr. Robyn Henderson Espinoza on May 12 at The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology as they engage in conversation around Dr. Robyn's new book Body Becoming: A Path to Our Liberation. This event has both in-person and online attendance options. All the details can be found at https://theseattleschool.edu/event/body-becoming-a-path-to-our-liberation/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jo Luehmann is a Colombian-born and raised pastor who moved to the US to get her master's degree in ministry and theology. After 10 years working inside churches, she found in personal and systemic ways how harmful and abusive the evangelical church can be. Jo quit her job and committed to finding a faith that wasn’t abusive.Alongside her partner, she started the Living Room a non-profit reclaiming faith and Christianity as spiritual expressions that can lead us toward wholeness and healing. In the summer of 2020 alongside a group of victims and survivors of church abuse, Jo started @doBetterChurch an online space where people abused in churches can be seen, heard, believed, and connected to others who can offer tools in their journey toward healing, as well as an initiative to invite churches to do better. Jo speaks and teaches about decolonizing faith and theology, as well as the importance of dismantling white supremacy, patriarchy, and capitalism both individually and collectively.Links + ResourcesJo Luehmann on PatreonThe Living Room PodcastJo on InstagramJo on TwitterJoin Matthias and Dr. Robyn Henderson Espinoza on May 12 at The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology as they engage in conversation around Dr. Robyn's new book Body Becoming: A Path to Our Liberation. This event has both in-person and online attendance options. All the details can be found at https://theseattleschool.edu/event/body-becoming-a-path-to-our-liberation/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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   Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 Jewish Jonas Brothers to Julia Stiles: Emily’s evolution of queerness started with a girl Coming out to friends, family, and faith community was easy for Emily Attraction vs. Asexuality: There’s far more to being a person than sex Exploration: Be comfortable with who and what you are to feel free, not shameful Religious Trauma: Luckily, Emily’s challenges weren’t related to queerness, faith Choosing My Religion: Converting to Judaism was Emily’s choice over church Proud 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 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 faith Coming Out, Conversion, Coping: Julie didn’t want to change, but initially gave in Don’t be a part of something that makes you hate and harm yourself or others Who to trust? Choose to question or follow religious leaders or your own truth Breaking Point: Reality behind closed doors vs. belief that things are changing Pray the Gay Away: Story that is still present reality in today’s world Reasons for Disconnect: Lack of nuance and understanding in liberal spaces Save 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 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 identity Honor, Celebrate, Center: Importance and meaning of QYF Day to each panelist Affirming Theology: Spread awareness that God doesn’t hate you Queer Realization: Born this way and the continual struggle to find hope and support Advice: 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 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 them Spiritual Toolbox: Difference between appropriation versus appreciation Podcast Purpose: Deep conversations about religion, spirituality, and queerness Deconstruction: What’s religion? Faith? Spirituality? Different but same elements Meaningful Blessings: What works and what doesn’t when reclaiming words Spiritual vs. Religious: What’s the separation? Good and right, or bad and wrong Divine Virtue: 81% of queer people in U.S. grow up in some organized religion Discover 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 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 footing Transition: Vehicle to expand audience and not allow naysayers’ negativity Words of Advice: Be authentic and use the tools that God has given you Community, therapy, and honesty brings healing, understanding, and activism Look in the Mirror: Convey the truth of life and how we should be treated equally There’s Still Hope: After losing it all, being homeless, and trying to clear name Platforms: 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 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 assumptions Becoming Muslim: Right path to express self-understanding externally Islam Education: Beautiful and innovative approach to replace fear, bullying Puzzle Piece: Perfection eludes people of faith, but being Muslim fit in perfectly Christian Parents: Not there to tell you what to think, but how to think Ability vs. Disability: Intelligence is how information is absorbed and duplicated Individualism: People are not always ordained to have basic human rights Human 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 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 exist Be Happy: Christian or not, define your own meaning and purpose of life Daniel’s Depression: Understanding mental health and spectacular ignorance YouTube: Vulnerability led to first example of being treated positively by humanity Coming Out vs. Being Outed: Some kind of gay and that is okay Practical 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 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy