Let go and connect authenically this month, the time of Lent that leads to Easter. I'm glad to introduce a new artist suitable for the season: Ria Brodell.

Queer desire, gender identity and growing up Catholic are explored by Boston artist Ria Brodell in paintings of "Butch Heroes" and "The Handsome and the Holy."

Brodell uses the format of Catholic holy cards to paint history's butch lesbians, queer women and F2M transgenders. The artist also does self-portraits as an ideal man, and brings together unlikely couples from pop culture and religion. More info and interview

(Credit:"He-Man and St. Michael Find They Have a Lot in Common" and "Catharina aka Anastasius Linck," both by Ria Brodell)

Thousands were executed for homosexuality over the centuries. Lent, the solemn season that began on Ash Wednesday, is an appropriate time to reflect on the sins of the church and state against queer people.

A new illustration ends with an empowering statement: "But even were I to be done away with, those who are like me would remain."

This report features new and historical images from many times and places, including Bishop John Atherton in Dublin, Catharina Linck in Germany and two-spirit Native Americans in Panama. More info 

Saints Polyeuct and Nearchus, Roman soldiers in Armenia, are a primary example of same-sex lovers in the early church. 

The men had a strong desire to spend eternity together.  Shortly before Polyeuct died, he spoke his last words to Nearchus: "Remember our secret vow." More info

(Credit: Saints Polyeuct and Nearchus by Robert Lentz, trinitystores.com) 

Biblical Queen Esther is a role model for LGBTQ people. A possible love story between her and Persian Queen Vashi has fired the imagination of lesbian playwright Carolyn Gage. Rev. David Bahr says the two queens show different ways that gays and lesbians can approach ministry. More info

 

(Credit: Queen Esther, Distant Shores Media/Sweet Publishing)

 

Just published! "Theology and Sexuality" by Susannah Cornwall gives an overview of theological debate on sexuality, including same-sex relationships, gender and sexuality in the Christian tradition, marriage, celibacy and other "sexchalogical tensions." Opening line: "Humans are sexual creatures."

 

"The New Testament on Sexuality" by William R.G. Loader will be discussed by the LGBT/Queer Hermeneutics unit at the American Academy of Religion annual meeting in November. 

 

"How to be Gay" by David M. Halperin will be discussed by the Gay Men and Religion Group at the Society of Biblical Literature annual meeting in November.

 

Click to give financial support to Kittredge Cherry for this newsletter.  Thank you!

Artist Trudie Barreras will do pet portraits in pastel, or watercolor sketches of your home or favorite scenes, for a $25 gift to Kitt for Jesus in Love.  To see samples of Trudie's work, visit her website, schuylerart.com. Contact us for further details.

One day, two processions;
One meek, an arriving Lamb,
    soothing, offering Grace;
The other, Dreadful Power
    speaking intimidation.
One died, and thus lives on.
The other lived on, but now is gone.
Eric & Scott Hays-Strom

GAY CHRISTIAN? LESBIAN CHRISTIAN? BISEXUAL CHRISTIAN? See new free info now. Why Christian and gay or lesbian or bisexual is okay.

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