Today's society has many diverse and unique individuals that live their lives in different ways, including queer people who have been historically marginalized for their sexual orientation or gender identity. Queerness is an umbrella term used to describe nonconforming identities such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, asexual, agender, pansexual, and demisexual. Many societies throughout history have recognized these identities through the stories and examples of saints whose holiness and vocation were often shaped by their sexual desires. These historical figures offer contemporary communities important insights into how they can create more welcoming spaces for queer people. The first insight is that saints like Saint Paulinus of Nola embraced their queerness despite living in societies that rejected them. In his case, he wrote love poetry to a male friend, which was considered immoral at the time.
His writing remains influential even today, demonstrating the power of being true to one's self. Another insight is that Saints such as John Bosco prioritized their religious vocation over their sexuality, inspiring modern-day followers to do the same. He founded the Salesian order, dedicating himself to serving God through education and charitable work.
The example of Saints Marcellus and Peter shows us that queerness does not necessarily conflict with holiness. They lived together in a committed relationship while working for social justice. Their story reminds us that it is possible to be both holy and queer simultaneously. By examining the lives of these historical saints, contemporary communities can better understand the complex intersection between queerness, holiness, and vocation.
Understanding the histories of these saints helps us to embrace our identities and navigate the intersections of faith, gender, and sexuality. Their legacies show us that it is possible to live holily, serve God, and remain true to ourselves. As we continue to strive towards inclusivity and acceptance, we must remember that queerness has always been part of human history.
What insights regarding holiness, vocation, and queer identity can contemporary communities gain from historical queer saints?
Historical queer saints have had varied experiences with their sexual orientation, gender expression, and spirituality. Many of them struggled with external pressures that tried to deny or diminish their identities. Their stories challenge us to rethink our assumptions about queerness, holiness, and vocation.