LGBTQ+
These resources have been put together for us by Karina Loewen (K.L) and Jamie Arpin-Ricci (J.A-R), a pastor at a church in Winnipeg called Little Flowers Community. Jamie is queer and has been generously helping us in our process.
This is a lot of resources and only the tip of the iceberg collected for us by Karina & Jamie, but just start somewhere. We are all learning.
Books:
Walking the Bridgeless Canyon by Kathy Baldock
This is my top recommendation, I'd be thrilled to host a book club for this one! This was not only an excellent book for biblical/Spiritual insight but also great historical insight that gave me a broader understanding of the LGBTQ+ movement) -K.L
"How The Bible Actually Works" by Peter Enns
While not explicitly about sexuality or gender, this book is a helpful primer on hermeneutics that make conversations about the so-called "clobber passages" much easier to navigate. I actually think that MUCH of the conflict on this topic is due to the fact that people don't start with hermeneutics. That's why I am listing it first. - J.A-R
"Scripture, Ethics, and the Possibility of Same-Sex Relationships" by Karen Keen
This book is often a good starting point, as Keen manages to look at both sides fairly, while still putting forward a solid affirming position, both ethically and biblically. It is a surprising easy read (and not long), so can be a healthy entry to those wanting to dive in deeper. It's one of the few affirming books that gets positive reviews from non-affirming leaders. J.A-R
"Bible, Gender, Sexuality: Reframing the Church's Debate on Same-Sex Relationships" by James V. Brownson
This book is at the other end of the spectrum. It is a very thorough, in-depth, lengthy read that is excellent. It requires more time, energy, and capacity, but for those wanting to go deeper, this book is excellent. J.A-R
"Torn: Rescuing God from the Gays vs. Christians Debate" by Justin Lee
This book is more autobiographical (with theological sections), which makes it more personal and easier for those less inclined towards direct theology. Justin's strength is his ability to be understanding with those who disagree, making space for conversation.
J.A-R
"Changing our Minds" by David Gushee
"A Letter To My Congregation" by Ken Wilson
These two books are theological but are written from the perspective of pastors who have taken this journey both theologically and within the context of congregations. They are pastoral in style. J.A-R
"Transforming: The Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians" by Austen Hartke
Transgender identities are distinct enough to need stand-alone representation. Austen Hartke's book is accessible and gentle, while offering a way of viewing gender and Scripture in fresh ways. (Also see Generous Space's documentary "Belonging In The Body" about faith and trans identity as a great resource) J.A-R
UnClobber by Colby Martin
Scott Erickson recommends this one -K.L
God and the Gay Christian by Matthew Vines
See the video link below - K.L
Queer Virtue by Elizabeth Edman
This is the one I read for school. But it's totally accessible. I would say best suited for people who are already in the inclusion camp, but this does a beautiful job of articulating why we *need* queer perspective in our faith communities - K.L
Websites and articles:
https://medium.com/@jamiearpinricci/the-table-is-one-a-queer-christian-confession-2e0bec58cf01?sk=a53df02aa80c8adb17ed0c5afa1c99b2
Videos:
Matthew Vines on "God and the Gay Christian" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyVvjAdbaaQ
1946 the movie - this isn't a movie *yet* - it's a documentary in the making, but the clips look fascinating and I really believe it's going to help give context to where we are today in the larger church in terms of LGBTQ+ exclusion. https://www.1946themovie.com/
IG accounts:
Instagram accounts are a viable way of taking in little bits of information and new perspectives. These are some of the accounts I follow that have taught me so much about the experience of LGBTQ+ people in the church and also accounts that have just helped inform me on the unique challenges they face. It's a very low-risk way of getting to "know" someone and can help normalize ideas that seem so new compared to what perhaps we grew up with. - Karina
:
Blair Imani - she is an educator who does the smarter in seconds videos (Morgan referred to them in her sermon). Super helpful and informative, not just on LGBTQ+ issues but on just a lot of historical movements and terms. https://www.instagram.com/blairimani/?hl=en
Kathy Baldock - author and advocate for inclusion. Sometimes it's great to see how another CIS person supports the LGBTQ+ community, especially communities of faith. She does teaching and training for churches that are transitioning to affirmation as well. https://www.instagram.com/kathyvbaldock/?hl=en
TWU One account: This is semi-local - it's run by some students who are part of the LGBTQ+ community at Trinity Western. They repost a lot of helpful information. https://www.instagram.com/officialonetwu/?hl=en
A Queer Search for Faith - a really honest account about the impact of religious and faith communities on the queer community. I really appreciate it. https://www.instagram.com/aqueersearchforfaith/?hl=en
King of the Gays - this account kind of breaks my heart. It's an anonymous account to support the LGBTQ+ community at MEI. They don't have support. They aren't even asking for support, just to be acknowledged as existing! I want to be a safe faith space for them if they want it. https://www.instagram.com/info_for_the_gays_of_mei/?hl=en
Sam Schedler - Sam is gay. He is funny. He's not so much an educator as a regular gay guy who educates (sometimes) through humour. Other times he's just a goofball. It's good to normalize gay experience to not just educating CIS people :) https://www.instagram.com/samsched/?hl=en
Stacey Chomiak - she's an author, educator and all-around fantastic human. She is relatively local, she's a lesbian, married, with a couple of kids, I hope we get to hear from her one day. https://www.instagram.com/chomiaks/?hl=en
Other resources:
One TWU is an independent coalition of LGBTQIA2S+ students, alumni, and allies of Trinity Western University. They have offered up their resources as an addition to those we have here. There are many varied resources and we hope you will find them helpful.
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