Resources

This will serve as a growing page for books, websites, videos, and organizations related to LGBTQ+ experiences and Christianity. I will include links and brief descriptions for reference.

Books

  • Bible, Gender, Sexuality: Reframing the Church’s Debate on Same-Sex Relationships by James V. Brownson.
    • An in-depth examination of the moral logic of Scripture pertaining to sexuality and gender, using historical references and other arguments about this topic; excellent for a deliberate, detailed study of the Bible and how it applies to modern same-sex relationships
    • Review by Wesley Granberg-Michaelson: “Instead of being trapped in shallow debates over the meaning of a few isolated biblical passages, James Brownson grounds his approach in foundational biblical understandings of gender and sexuality. He takes the Bible seriously, engaging it faithfully and deeply, and he encourages the reader to do the same…the church needs this book.”
  • Sex Difference in Christian Theology: Male, Female, and Intersex in the Image of God by Megan DeFranza
    • Using the Bible and science, Defranza unpacks how we are all made in the image of God — male, female, and intersex, and why it’s important to listen to voices that exist outside the gender binary (on my to-read list).
    • Review by Lianne Simon: “An essential read for anyone debating the place of sexual minorities within the church. Megan DeFranza proves herself both a serious Christian scholar and a friend of the intersexed — those of us born not entirely male or female. Her cautious recommendations for our inclusion should encourage both the conservative Christian, on account of her respect of Scripture, and the intersexed, for her acknowledging us as more than pawns in someone else’s game.”
  • Torn: Rescuing the Gospel from the Gays-vs.-Christians Debate by Justin Lee
    • Memoir of a gay Christian, with a focus on bridging the gap between LGBTQ Christians and non-affirming Christians (on my to-read list)
    • Review by Jennifer Knapp: “Justin didn’t leave the church when he realized he was gay…he has been too determined to show them how much he loves them…This is the story of how one Christian man’s faith taught him to accept himself, serve others who are in need, and bridge the gap for those who do not always understand.”
  • God and the Gay Christian: The Biblical Case in Support of Same-Sex Relationships by Matthew Vines
    • A biblical study of some of the primary arguments around LGBTQ inclusion in Christianity (mandated celibacy, Old Testament sexual practices, and Paul’s teaching about same-sex relationships) (on my to-read list)
    • Review from Rachel Held Evans: “God and the Gay Christian is a game changer. Winsome, accessible, and carefully researched, every page is brought to life by the author’s clear love for Scripture and deep, persistent faith. With this book, Matthew Vines emerges as one of my generation’s most important Christian leaders, not only on matters of sexuality but also on what it means to follow Jesus with wisdom, humility, and grace.  Prepare to be challenged and enlightened, provoked and inspired. Read with an open heart and mind, and you are bound to be changed.”
  • Transforming: The Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians by Austen Hartke
    • A biblical, educational resource about transgender issues that incorporates theology, personal narrative, and affirmation for trans inclusion in Christianity (on my to-read list)
    • Review from Sojourners: “Weaving biblical examples of gender nonconformity and transformation with the stories and voices of contemporary trans Christians, Hartke’s approach is both pastoral and prophetic as he addresses harmful Christian theology that has been used to further marginalize and exclude trans people. Hartke’s scriptural basis for a trans-affirming theology offers a healing balm for queer and trans people who have ever questioned that God loves them based on “what it says in the Bible,” while challenging progressive Christian communities to center trans perspectives in their efforts to become truly open and affirming.”
  • Modern Kinship: A Queer Guide to Christian Marriage by David and Constantino Khalaf
    • A guide for same-sex Christian couples looking to live out a Christ-honoring relationship; the authors use their experiences to tackle issues such as starting a family, introducing your partner to your own family, dating apart from smartphone apps, and discerning God’s calling (on my to-read list)
    • Review from Amber Cantorna: ““Modern Kinship is the book that LGBTQ couples have been waiting for. David and Constantino Khalaf take on important and often taboo topics with both wisdom and vulnerability. Offering direction and hope to a marginalized group of people who have long been left out of marriage discussions, Modern Kinship not only validates the unions of LGBTQ couples but helps them last and thrive. I am grateful to finally have a resource for those who need life-giving advice on how to make their marriage last.”
  • Changing Our Mind: A call from America’s leading evangelical ethics scholar for full acceptance of LGBT Christians in the Church by David P. Gushee
    • An Evangelical author writes about how he changed his mind about LGBTQ inclusion in the Christian church by examining the work of activists and theologians in relatable, relevant terms (on my to-read list)

Websites / Organizations

  • Dignity – https://www.dignityusa.org/
    • LGBT+ affirming Catholic organization
  • Integrity – http://www.integrityusa.org/welcome
    • LGBT+ affirming Episcopalian organization
  • The Trevor Project – https://www.thetrevorproject.org
    • From their site: “The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning youth.”
  • The Junia Project – https://juniaproject.com/
    • A group to promote egalitarian theology and full, equal inclusion of women in church leadership and relationships; their Bible studies are some of my favorite
  • GLAAD – https://www.glaad.org/about
    • “Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation” – a group fighting for equality and protection of LGBTQ+ people since 1985
  • National Center for Transgender Equality – https://transequality.org/
    • A resource for understanding and supporting transgender issues and people
  • American Psychological Society – https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/sexual-orientation.asp
    • Resources for understanding sexual orientation and gender identity, including research and psychological effects of discrimination against LGBTQ+ people
  • Sojourners – https://sojo.net/about-us/what-we-cover
    • From their site: “Sojourners magazine and Sojourners online publication sit at the intersection of faith, politics, and culture. Our coverage goes beyond the trending headlines to uncover and explore in depth the hidden injustices in the world around us. Our call to prophetic interrogation means we seek the truth as informed by our biblical roots.”
  • Freed Hearts – https://www.freedhearts.org/
    • Non-profit to help both LGBT+ people and their families work through their faith and their queer identity
    • From their site: “We both have fallen more in love—with God, each other, our children, and people in general—than ever before. We are fully affirming because of Jesus, because of our faith, because of Scripture, not in spite of it.”

Podcasts

  • Queerology: A Podcast on Belief and Being
    • “How might we live better as queer people of faith? Matthias Roberts brings together theologians, psychologists, poets, thinkers, and change makers for conversations around belief and being”
    • Past guests include Dave and Tino Khalaf, Justin Lee, Kevin Garcia, Rev. Emmy Kegler, Austen Hartke, Rachel Held Evans, Jen Hatmaker, Jennifer Knapp, and Matthew Vines
  • Good Christian Fun
    • A comedy podcast about the sometimes wholesome, sometimes problematic, usually weird Evangelical Christian media of the past few decades
    • LGBT+ affirming
    • Do not need to be Christian to enjoy
    • Especially great for “recovering  Evangelicals” who grew up with Veggie Tales and DC Talk
  • The Bible for Normal People
    • Deep dives into the Bible that take history and literary devices into context
    • Great for Christian nerds, and anyone open to learning about Scripture
    • Would especially recommend the Episode 19 with Megan DeFranza: “The Bible and Intersex Believers”
  • Can I Say This at Church?
    • Exploring life / Bible issues from a progressive Christian perspective
    • Interviews with pastors, theologians, and Christians doing social-justice-minded work
    • Would recommend Episode 47 with Brandan Robertson: “True Inclusion”