But We Loved cover image

But We Loved

A Gay Man Called to be a Priest During the AIDS Crisis

Jan 15, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Bill Glenn, author of "I Came Here Seeking a Person" and a gay spiritual leader, shares his transformative journey from seminarian to compassionate caregiver during the AIDS crisis. He candidly discusses the intricate dance of identity and faith within religious constraints. Bill reflects on overcoming addiction and emphasizes the power of community in times of grief. With a blend of heartfelt anecdotes and humor, he navigates the church's response to the crisis and the profound joy he found amidst sorrow.
33:07

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The journey of a gay man navigating shame and fear in a Catholic environment exemplifies the struggle for identity and acceptance.
  • His eventual role as a spiritual guide during the AIDS crisis highlights the transformative power of compassion and community in times of loss.

Deep dives

The Journey of Self-Acceptance

The episode highlights the journey of a gay man who grew up in a Catholic environment, grappling with feelings of shame and fear regarding his sexual identity. He reflects on moments from his childhood where societal and religious teachings instilled a sense of defect and sinfulness around being gay. Through his experiences, he illustrates a transformative moment at a rally led by Harvey Milk, where he finally embraced his identity by removing a collar that symbolized his past. This act of self-affirmation marked a significant turning point in his life, allowing him to break free from years of internal struggle and societal condemnation.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode