Queer believers are individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ and hold strong religious beliefs simultaneously. As such, they often face unique challenges when it comes to navigating religious rituals and practices that may be centered around heteronormative gender roles, traditional family structures, and binary conceptions of gender identity.
Many queer believers have found ways to navigate these obstacles and experience profound moments of transcendence, embodiment, and liminality through their faith. In this article, I will explore how some queer believers experience these concepts during ritualized religious experiences and provide examples from various traditions.
Liminality
Liminality refers to the state of being in between, or on the threshold of, two different states or identities. For queer believers, this can take many forms, including feeling caught between one's sexual orientation or gender identity and the expectations of one's faith community. During rituals, this can manifest as an intense sense of confusion or disorientation, but it can also lead to profound moments of transformation and healing. One example is the Jewish tradition of conversion, which involves a period of study and reflection before officially joining the faith. For queer believers, this process can be particularly difficult due to societal stigma against non-binary genders and same-sex relationships.
Many report experiencing a deep sense of connection to their new community and a renewed sense of purpose during this time.
Transcendence
Transcendence refers to the experience of moving beyond one's physical body and entering into a spiritual realm. For queer believers, this can occur in several ways, such as through communal singing, dancing, or meditation. During these moments, they may feel a sense of unity with others in the congregation and a deeper connection to their faith. Some queer believers have even reported experiencing visions or sensing the presence of divine beings during these transcendent states. This can be particularly powerful for those who feel isolated or marginalized by their faith communities.
Embodiment
Embodiment refers to the integration of mind, body, and spirit. It can include practices like breathwork, yoga, or prayer that help individuals become more aware of their physical bodies and emotions. For queer believers, embodiment can provide a way to express themselves authentically while maintaining their religious identity. Many queer believers find solace in rituals that celebrate the human form, such as baptism or the Eucharist. They may also incorporate elements of their sexuality or gender identity into these rituals, such as using rainbow-colored vestments or incorporating LGBTQ+ symbols into the service. These acts can be empowering and affirming, allowing them to claim ownership over their own identities within their faith community.
Queer believers navigate liminality, transcendence, and embodiment in unique and complex ways, often drawing on their faith to create meaning and purpose in their lives. By acknowledging the diversity of experiences and beliefs among LGBTQ+ individuals, religious leaders and communities can create spaces where all believers feel welcome and supported.
How do queer believers navigate liminality, transcendence, and embodiment in ritualized religious experiences?
Queer believers may experience liminality as a time of transition between worlds, where they can explore their sexual orientation or gender identity without judgment from others. Transcendence may be experienced through altered states of consciousness during prayer, meditation, or rituals that allow them to connect with something greater than themselves. Embodied practices like dance, music, or yoga can help them feel grounded in their bodies and connected to a higher power.