Same-sex relationships have been taboo for centuries, yet there are many stories of same-sex saints and mystics who experienced divine intimacy. Their experiences provide insight into the complexity and depth of human emotions and spiritual connections. In this article, I will explore how their stories can help us redefine what it means to be a mystic and a saint.
Same-sex love is often seen as sinful, immoral, or deviant in religious communities.
Some saints and mystics defied these norms and embraced same-sex love within their spiritual journeys. The Cistercian nun Saint Hildegard von Bingen wrote about her relationship with God in erotic terms, while the medieval poet Christina of Markyate described her devotion to Jesus as deeply personal and romantic. These stories challenge traditional interpretations of religious devotion and expand our understanding of divine intimacy.
The stories of same-sex saints and mystics show that spirituality and sexuality are not mutually exclusive. Rather than rejecting sex, they integrated it into their spiritual practice.
St. John of the Cross wrote about his longing for God in sensual terms, describing the soul's yearning for union with the divine as similar to physical desire. This view challenges the idea that asceticism is the path to enlightenment and suggests that the body can play a role in spiritual development.
Same-sex relationships offer a new perspective on monastic life. Some monks and nuns formed lifelong partnerships with members of their own gender, such as Aelred of Rievaulx and Herman of Reichenau. Their relationships were based on mutual respect and affection, rather than the pursuit of power or status. They believed that celibacy was an outdated concept and that true spirituality required deep emotional connections with others.
The stories of same-sex saints and mystics also reveal the diversity of human experience. They challenge binary categories like "male" and "female," showing that gender does not necessarily define identity or spirituality. Saint Teresa of Avila referred to herself as both female and male, suggesting that gender fluidity could be an aspect of mystical experience. Her writings provide insight into nonbinary identities within religious communities.
These stories invite us to reconsider what it means to be a saint or mystic. Instead of rejecting sexuality, they embrace it as part of the human experience. By recognizing the complexity of human feelings and desires, we can better understand our relationship with divinity. As St. John of the Cross wrote: "Love alone makes all things beautiful."
How can the stories of same-sex saints and mystics expand our understanding of divine intimacy?
Stories about LGBTQ+ figures who have experienced divine intimacy can broaden our comprehension of what that connection might mean for all people regardless of sexual orientation. The experiences of these individuals may provide new perspectives on how we view love, relationships, and spirituality that could help us better understand ourselves and others. By acknowledging the validity and significance of their narratives, we are also recognizing the value of diversity in religious experience.