The concept of sainthood is rooted in Christian tradition and has been a central component of religious life for centuries. Historically, saints have been venerated as individuals who exhibit extraordinary spiritual piety, virtue, and devotion to God.
Some scholars and theologians have begun to reconsider this traditional view, questioning whether it excludes certain groups from being considered holy. In particular, they argue that queer people's experiences may challenge conventional narratives of sanctity and offer new insights into what constitutes holiness. This article will explore how historical figures interpreted as queer saints challenge these conventional narratives and suggest ways in which their stories can be used to expand our understanding of what it means to be holy.
Throughout history, many individuals have been labeled "queer" based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or other factors related to sexuality and intimacy. Some examples include the early Christians Perpetua and Felicity, who were martyred together in Carthage in the third century; Saint Sergius of Radonezh, a Russian monk who lived in the fourteenth century; Saint Sebastian, an early Christian martyr who was killed by arrows during the reign of Diocletian; and Saint John of the Cross, a Spanish mystic who wrote extensively about spiritual love and union with God. These individuals have been recognized by various communities for their devotion to God, but their queerness has also been acknowledged and celebrated.
One way in which these figures challenge conventional narratives of sanctity is by subverting heteronormative expectations of romantic relationships. Many saints are portrayed as having profoundly erotic relationships with others, both divine and human, that defy traditional notions of sex and marriage.
Saint Catherine of Siena famously had visions of Jesus in which she felt overwhelmed by his physical presence and desired him passionately. Similarly, Saint Teresa of Ávila described her relationship with God as one of deep intimacy and yearning, writing that "I feel myself all consumed with burning desire." These expressions of eros challenge the idea that holiness must be expressed through abstinence from sensual pleasure and suggest that eroticism can be holy when it reflects God's love for us.
Another way in which queer saints challenge conventional narratives of sanctity is by challenging gender norms. Some saints, such as Saint Joan of Arc, were identified as transgender or non-binary before those terms existed, while others embraced cross-dressing or other forms of gender fluidity. By doing so, they challenge binary conceptions of gender that have historically been used to oppress and exclude certain groups. In addition, some scholars argue that saints who deviated from societal norms regarding sexuality may have done so because they saw themselves as called to live outside of society's expectations. This suggests that alternative forms of spirituality can coexist with queerness and that queerness itself may be a form of devotion to God.
Interpreting historical figures as queer saints offers valuable insights into what it means to be holy and how we might reconsider traditional notions of saintliness. By recognizing and celebrating these individuals, we can expand our understanding of what it means to be divine and human at the same time. Their stories offer new ways of thinking about intimacy, spiritual union, and relationships between individuals and God, opening up possibilities for inclusivity and diversity within religious communities.
How do historical figures interpreted as queer saints challenge conventional narratives of sanctity?
While historically marginalized individuals were often excluded from hagiographies, contemporary scholars have begun to reexamine these accounts with new lenses that reveal unconventional perspectives on gender identity, sexual orientation, and religious experience. This trend has led to the emergence of queer saints who challenge traditional notions of holiness by breaking down rigid binary categories that are used to categorize people into heteronormative binaries.