Coming Out Late Ep. #75: Talking "Religion" w/Late Blooming Queer Clergy Folx, Part 1
In this episode of the Coming Out Late podcast, Robin introduces us to the beginning of nearly four hours of recorded conversations with late blooming queer clergy folx who all found one another within our Coming Out Late FB Group.
In this Part 1 episode you will hear Robin and her panel of late blooming queer clergy discuss the topic of being queer and being Pastors, as well as, together, answer questions submitted by members of Robin’s Facebook Group, “Coming Out Late”…
- “What advice do you have for someone that still occasionally struggles with feeling like “I’m sinning or disappointing God” by embracing my homosexuality?”
- “I exist in a family who does not believe that one can be homosexual and not be ‘living in sin’. How are you able to reconcile your religious beliefs with who you know yourself to be?”
- “What do you say to those that condemn you being gay?”
- “What does God/the Bible actually have to say about being gay?”
- “I'm getting ready to move and want to find a church that is lgbtqia+ friendly. I've found in searching in my current area that dome churches will say they are affirming, but once I've gone once or twice they try to convert you back to heterosexuality in very backhanded and sneaky ways. I guess my question is, how can I go about finding a church that will respect me as a person and love all of me? It has definitely caused me to question my faith.”
- “My ex’s family believe that homosexuality is not how God made us, but rather that it is a sin. How can I respond to this?”
- “What does God say about pleasure and sensuality?”
- Why we need to ask ourselves, “...Who benefits from this system?”
- Wanna support our “Coming Out Late” podcast? Then please consider buying Robin a “virtual” coffee as a sign of your appreciation. Simply go to: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RobinDouglass
Links to resources:
RESOURCES MENTIONED in PART 1 & 2 Episodes:
Pamela Lightsey, Our Lives Matter: A Womanist Queer Theology
Wil Gafney, Link to her Blog and to her Womanist Midrash;
Best-selling author, world-renowned activist, thought leader on racial justice, body liberation and transformational change, as well as International artist, Sonya Renee Taylor: https://www.sonyareneetaylor.com/the-body-is-not-an-apology
A great read and interesting criticism of “biblical marriage.”
https://www.patheos.com/blogs/keithgiles/2023/02/same-sex-love-celebrated-in-the-bible/
ONE-on-ONE PRIVATE COACHING w/ROBIN DOUGLASS
There is nothing like the comforting effects of two late bloomers talking about the process and journey of coming out later in life together; especially when one of them is a “been there, done that” Coming Out Late in Life Coach. Robin is now offering private one-on-one coaching for men and women who are in need of some support, compassionate conversations, guidance and accountability during this confusing time in our lives. For more information about her coaching services reach out to Robin at: Comingoutlater@gmail.com.
THE 2023 “COMING OUT LATE RETREAT” SCHEDULE:
We are “retreating” to:
(1) Phoenix, Arizona: April 13, 14, 15, & 16, 2023
(2) Rehoboth Beach, DE: April 27, 28, 29, and 30, 2023 - “Women’s Fest”