Queer believers are those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, intersex, or otherwise gender or sexually diverse within their faith community. They face challenges when it comes to following certain religious commandments and moral imperatives due to their different lived experiences and identities. To reconcile their beliefs with their sexual orientations and gender identities, they reinterpret the scriptures and traditions that have been handed down through generations. This essay will explore some ways queer believers do this.
Let's examine how the Bible is often used against LGBTQ+ people. The story of Sodom and Gomorrah from Genesis 19 has been used to condemn same-sex relations for millennia. It tells the tale of angels visiting Lot, who offers them hospitality, but the townsfolk become jealous and demand his visitors be sent out so they can rape them. In response, God destroys Sodom and Gomorrah. Some interpret this passage as a warning against homosexual behavior.
The original Hebrew does not mention "men" or even "homosexuals," just "knowing." Queer believers argue that since Lot offered hospitality to the strangers, he was likely welcoming in queer travelers seeking refuge.
The punishment fits the crime - rapists were punished rather than consensual partners. This interpretation provides hope for those struggling with these verses.
Consider how many religions place restrictions on marriage. Hinduism, Judaism, and Islam all require monogamy between cisgendered heterosexuals. For nonbinary and trans individuals, this presents challenges when it comes to marriage. Some choose celibacy while others marry someone of the opposite sex. Still, others use religious exemptions to marry within their community without adherence to gender norms. Queer believers may reinterpret biblical commandments about marriage by focusing on faithfulness instead of gender roles. They may also look outside their faith tradition for guidance, such as in Pagan polyamory or Buddhist mindfulness practices.
Many scriptures promote fidelity within marriage. Yet, LGBTQ+ people often experience infidelity due to fear of rejection from family and friends. They may reinterpret biblical verses on cheating to include emotional unfaithfulness, which is still wrong but less stigmatized than sexual infidelity. In Christianity, Jesus emphasizes love over rules (John 15:10). Queer believers can apply this teaching by prioritizing loving relationships over traditional ones.
Fourth, some interpretations of scripture suggest that certain sexual acts are sinful.
Queer believers may view these passages through a lens of harm reduction. Instead of seeing homosexuality as inherently sinful, they focus on consenting adults who take care of each other's needs safely. They recognize that sex should be pleasurable and consensual, even if it goes against religious teachings. By emphasizing safety, they avoid shaming those who practice kinky behaviors or have fetishes.
Many religions forbid same-sex partnerships. For queer believers, this means finding loopholes or interpreting scriptures differently.
The Quran mentions 'people of your own kind,' implying same-sex attraction exists between men and women. This allows for same-gender partnerships as long as both parties identify as male or female. Similarly, rabbinic Judaism permits same-sex relations in certain circumstances, such as when one partner lacks genitalia. By reframing their beliefs to accommodate different identities and experiences, queer believers can live authentically while remaining faithful to their traditions.
Queer believers face challenges regarding sexual ethics due to the rigid nature of many faiths. To reconcile this dissonance, they often reinterpret sacred texts creatively and compassionately. It is essential to remember that not all LGBTQ+ people follow religion but for those who do, they find ways to make peace with seemingly contradictory commandments and imperatives.
In what ways do queer believers reinterpret religious commandments and moral imperatives to align with lived ethical experiences?
Queer people often have to grapple with religious beliefs that may be conflicting with their identity, particularly when it comes to sexuality and gender expression. In many cases, religious commandments and moral imperatives can become obstacles to achieving social acceptance and recognition of one's true self. As such, some queer individuals seek to reconcile these beliefs by reinterpreting them in light of their lived ethical experiences.