The word "queer" has been used to describe a wide range of people who identify as something other than heterosexual or cisgender. In recent years, it has also become an umbrella term for people who identify as non-binary, transgender, or intersex. As more people find themselves outside traditional gender and sexual norms, they may also feel excluded from traditional religion and spirituality.
There is growing interest in creating new forms of communal worship that center queer voices. These new forms of worship can take many different shapes but share a focus on celebrating diversity and inclusion.
One example of this is the Queer Spirit Circle, which meets regularly in San Francisco, California. The circle is led by a transgender man named Jesse, who describes it as "a place where queer folks can come together to connect spiritually." During each meeting, members gather in a circle and share their experiences, feelings, and struggles related to being queer and religious. They also engage in rituals such as meditation, prayer, and singing. The group's website explains its mission statement: "We are dedicated to exploring how queerness intersects with faith traditions in order to create space for self-expression and healing."
Another example is the Radical Faeries, an international organization founded in 1979 by gay men seeking community. The Faeries hold regular gatherings across the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia, centered around spirituality and radical politics. Members often wear elaborate costumes and perform rituals, including ceremonies honoring gods and goddesses from various cultures. Many Faerie communities have created their own traditions, rituals, and symbols.
Some groups use rainbow colors to represent the diversity of identities within the Faerie movement.
The Unitarian Universalist Association offers resources specifically designed for LGBTQ+ people of faith. Their website features articles, sermons, and worship services that address topics like coming out and inclusive language in church life. The UUA also hosts events celebrating Pride Month and provides training on creating welcoming congregations. The UUA has even developed a "Queering Reverence" program that encourages congregations to incorporate more gender-neutral pronouns into their liturgy.
In addition to these examples, many individuals and small groups are creating new forms of communal worship that center queer voices.
Some transgender people may find solace in drag performance or other artistic expressions that challenge societal norms. Others may join support groups focused on exploring spirituality without religion. Regardless of the form it takes, centering queer voices in religious practice can help create a sense of belonging, connection, and empowerment. It also reminds us that we all have something valuable to contribute to the world, regardless of our identity.
What new forms of communal worship emerge when queer voices are centered in religious practice?
The inclusion of queer voices has led to new forms of communal worship that challenge traditional norms and values associated with religion. These forms of worship emphasize shared experiences, empathy, and connection rather than dogma and doctrine. They often involve creative expression, storytelling, and music that reflect the lived experiences of queer people.