Article on Queer Believers
Queer believers are individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ and practice their faith simultaneously. While many religious institutions and practices are exclusionary towards LGBTQIA+ individuals, some believers have found ways to reimagine the Eucharist to include them. In this article, I will explore how queer believers can view the Eucharist as a celebration of chosen kinship and shared survival.
Let's look at what the Eucharist is. The Eucharist is a sacrament in Christian churches that involves sharing bread and wine during worship services. It symbolizes the body and blood of Jesus Christ, and is an act of communion between God and humans. For many Christians, it is a deeply personal and spiritual experience. But for queer believers, it can also be a time to connect with others who share similar experiences.
One way to reimagine the Eucharist is by forming chosen family groups. Chosen family is a term used by queer individuals who create their own families outside of biological or traditional ones. These groups often consist of friends or partners who support each other emotionally and practically. By sharing the Eucharist together, queer believers can feel connected to one another and to their faith community. They can use this time to reflect on their own journeys and relationships, and connect with others who understand those experiences.
Another way to reimagine the Eucharist is by seeing it as a celebration of survival. Many LGBTQIA+ individuals face discrimination and marginalization due to their identities. By coming together for the Eucharist, they can find strength and solidarity in numbers. This can be especially powerful when they are surrounded by allies and supporters who affirm their identity and beliefs.
Some queer believers may choose to incorporate eroticism into the Eucharist. This could include physical touching, kissing, or intimate conversations. While some religious institutions might see this as taboo, it can be a way for queer believers to express their sexuality and spirituality at the same time. It's important to note that consent is crucial in all interactions, and that any kind of touch should only happen between people who are comfortable with it.
The Eucharist can be an opportunity for queer believers to come together and celebrate chosen kinship and shared survival. Through forming chosen family groups, celebrating survival, and incorporating eroticism, they can make the sacrament more inclusive and meaningful.
How do queer believers reimagine the Eucharist as a celebration of chosen kinship and shared survival?
The concept of queer Christianity is based on the idea that individuals can have multiple identities simultaneously, such as their gender identity, sexual orientation, race, and social status. This means that they are not limited by any boundaries imposed by society, but rather create their own definitions of themselves and their relationships.