Kittredge Cherry
@kittredgecherry.bsky.social
LGBTQ spirituality author at https://Qspirit.net.
August Q Spirit Newsletter is out! Lazarus, Martha and Mary, Ethiopian eunuch, Daniel, Wilgefortis, Joseph of Genesis, Shulamite from Song of Songs, and more. See this month’s issue and sign up for a free subscription at: conta.cc/4yHf9uC #faithfullyLGBT
La Paula Turner was a pioneering Black lesbian clergy who supported LGBTQ Christians since the 1970s. She passed away on Aug. 4, 2025, at age 88. She was one of the first African Americans ordained by the LGBTQ-affirming @mccdenomination.bsky.social. #faithfullyLGBT qspirit.net/la-paula-tur...
La Paula Turner: Black lesbian clergy pioneer opened doors
La Paula Turner was a pioneering Black lesbian clergy who supported LGBTQ Christians since the 1970s. She passed away on Aug. 4, 2025, at age 88. She was one of the first African Americans ordained by...
qspirit.net
When Jacob wrestled with the angel in the Bible, they embodied the struggle between sexuality and spirituality. The story from Genesis 32 will be read at many churches worldwide on Aug. 2, 2026. Queer Bible scholars grappled with it. #FaithfullyLGBT qspirit.net/jacob-wrestl...
Jacob and the angel: Wrestling to reconcile body and spirit
When Jacob wrestled with the angel in the Bible, they embodied the struggle between sexuality and spirituality. Queer Bible scholars and religious leaders have grappled with the story and artists have...
qspirit.net
Kuan Yin, the genderfluid spirit of compassion in Buddhism, can be thought of as a queer Christ figure or LGBTQ role model. Buddhists celebrate Kuan Yin's enlightenment on Aug. 1, 2026, Kuan Yin is male, female or androgynous as needed. #FaithfullyLGBT qspirit.net/kuan-yin-que...
Kuan Yin: A queer Buddhist Christ figure?
Kuan Yin, the genderfluid spirit of compassion in Buddhism, is sometimes thought of as a queer Christ figure or LGBTQ role model. Other queer Asian Christ figures are also explored in today’s article....
qspirit.net
Mary and Martha of Bethany were close friends of Jesus. The Bible calls them “sisters,” but maybe they were a lesbian couple. They formed a non-traditional family with their bachelor "brother" Lazarus. Their feast day is July 29. #FaithfullyLGBTQ qspirit.net/martha-mary-...
Martha and Mary of Bethany: Sisters or lesbian couple?
Mary and Martha of Bethany were close friends of Jesus. The Bible calls them “sisters,” but maybe they were a lesbian couple. Their feast day is July 29. Mary and Martha formed a nontraditional family...
qspirit.net
Was Lazarus the “beloved disciple” of Jesus and maybe even his lover? Some scholars say so. He may also be the “naked young man” at Jesus' arrest. His coming out of the tomb can be an LGBTQ symbol. His feast day is 7/29. Art by @kristenwheeler.bsky.social. #FaithfullyLGBT qspirit.net/lazarus-jesu...
Lazarus: Was he Jesus’ beloved disciple?
Was Lazarus the “beloved disciple” of Jesus -- and maybe even his same-sex lover? Some scholars say so. He may also be the unnamed “naked young man” who ran away when Jesus was arrested. Lazarus comin...
qspirit.net
A bright rainbow thank-you to 26 donors who gave to my Pride offering! 🌈 We hit the goal and surpassed the total given last year. You can still donate to support my LGBTQ spirituality projects. Pride Month is over, but the rainbow blessings go on forever! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
Boris is one of the most popular Russian saints, but his same-sex love story has been buried. He confided in George the Hungarian, prayed with him and when assassins attacked, they died together. Their feast day is 7/24. #faithfullyLGBT qspirit.net/boris-george...
Boris and George: Russian saints united in love and death
Boris is one of the most popular Russian saints, but his same-sex love story has been buried until recently. Boris and his servant George the Hungarian loved each other deeply. Boris confided in Georg...
qspirit.net
Symeon of Emesa and John, 6th-century Syrian monks, were joined in a same-sex union and lived together as desert hermits for 29 years. Their feast is July 21. Their union ceremony is a model for the adelphopoiesis brother-making ritual. #FaithfullyLGBT qspirit.net/symeon-emesa...
Symeon of Emesa and John: Holy fool and hermit who loved each other
Symeon and John, 6th-century Syrian monks, were joined in a same-sex union and lived together as desert hermits for 29 years. Their feast day is July 21. The blessing they received as monks is the pro...
qspirit.net
Some see the prophet Daniel and the chief eunuch Ashpenaz as a same-sex couple. In a hotly contested translation, the Bible describes the “favor and tender love” that he bestowed on Daniel. July 21 is Daniel’s feast day. #FaithfullyLGBT qspirit.net/daniel-three...
Daniel and the three young men: God rescues Biblical eunuchs, affirming LGBTQ people of faith
Some see the prophet Daniel and the chief eunuch Ashpenaz as a same-sex couple or queer couple. In a hotly contested translation, the Bible describes the “favor and tender love” that he bestowed on Da...
qspirit.net
Queer saint Wilgefortis prayed to avoid marriage to a pagan king - and her prayers were answered when she grew a beard! Her feast day is July 20. The “virgin martyr” has natural appeal for LGBTQ people. Wilgefortis is popular despite church opposition. #faithfullyLGBT qspirit.net/saint-wilgef...
Saint Wilgefortis: Holy bearded woman fascinates for centuries
Saint Wilgefortis prayed to avoid marriage to a pagan king -- and her prayers were answered when she grew a beard! This virgin martyr’s feast day is July 20. Wilgefortis has natural appeal for LGBTQ p...
qspirit.net
Nancy Ledins made headlines as the 1st transgender Roman Catholic priest after gender confirmation surgery in 1979. She died July 18, 2017 at age 82. Ledins left the Catholic church, but ministered later at Wedgewood Church in Charlotte, NC #faithfullyLGBT qspirit.net/nancy-ledins...
Nancy Ledins: First transgender Roman Catholic priest made headlines in 1979
Nancy Ledins made national headlines as the first transgender Roman Catholic priest after gender confirmation surgery in 1979. She died on July 18, 2017, at age 82 in North Carolina. Ledins left the C...
qspirit.net
New book: Poetic prayers affirm the LGBTQ community, including “the glittering saints who refuse to dim their light,” in “Glitter Prayers: Sacred Words for Queer Hearts and Shimmering Souls” by Leo Jones-Morton, queer pastor of Unifour Church. #faithfullyLGBT www.amazon.com/dp/B0H2MX9WH...
Glitter Prayers: Sacred Words for Queer Hearts and Shimmering Souls: Jones-Morton, Rev. Leo: 9798198114623: Amazon.com: Books
Glitter Prayers: Sacred Words for Queer Hearts and Shimmering Souls [Jones-Morton, Rev. Leo] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Glitter Prayers: Sacred Words for Queer Hearts and Shi...
amazon.com
Sally Miller Gearhart was a #lesbian educator, theologian, activist and author of books such as 1974 classic “Loving Women / Loving Men: Gay Liberation and the Church.” She died on July 14, 2021 at age 90. #FaithfullyLGBT qspirit.net/sally-gearha...
Sally Miller Gearhart: Lesbian educator and activist who challenged the church
Sally Miller Gearhart was a lesbian educator, theologian, activist and author of books including the 1974 classic “Loving Women / Loving Men: Gay Liberation and the Church.” She died on July 14, 2021 ...
qspirit.net
The Bible story of the Good Samaritan shows how all people are really neighbors, including outcasts such as LGBTQ people. Could one or both characters be LGBTQ? Was the traveler bashed in an anti-LGBTQ hate crime? Was the Samaritan queer? #FaithfullyLGBT qspirit.net/good-samarit...
Good Samaritan: LGBTQ views of Bible story on helping strangers
The Bible story of the Good Samaritan shows how all people are really neighbors, including outcasts such as LGBTQ people. Some queer interpretations cast the traveler as an LGBTQ person who was bashed...
qspirit.net
I'm happy to report that my bio is now on Wikipedia in Spanish! ¡Me complace anunciar que mi biografía ya está disponible en Wikipedia en español! es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kittred...
Kittredge Cherry - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre
es.wikipedia.org
Steve Pieters was a gay clergyman and one of the longest-surviving AIDS patients. He died July 8, 2023 at age 70. His 1985 interview with televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker shifted public opinion on AIDS. I worked with Steve at @mccdenomination.bsky.social. #FaithfullyLGBT qspirit.net/steve-pieter...
Steve Pieters: Gay minister, longtime AIDS survivor, LGBTQ activist and friend
Steve Pieters was an influential gay clergyman and one of the longest-surviving AIDS patients. He died on July 8, 2023 at age 70. His ground-breaking 1985 interview with televangelist Tammy Faye Bakke...
qspirit.net
Some scholars believe the Biblical Song of Songs was originally written as same-sex love poetry. Paul R. Johnson translated it as a gay love poem and tehomcenter.bsky.social sees it as erotic poetry between women. Many churches read it today 7/5/26. #FaithfullyLGBT qspirit.net/shulamite-so...
Shulamite in Song of Songs: Gay, lesbian or queer Biblical love poem?
One of the greatest love poems of all time, the Bible Song of Songs, may have been written as same-sex love poetry. Paul R. Johnson translated it as “a gay love poem” and Angela Yarber sees it as erot...
qspirit.net
Early LGBTQ rights protests happened every #FourthofJuly from 1965-69 in front of Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Picketers included Robert W. Wood, the first member of the clergy to picket for #LGBTQ equality. #faithfullyLGBT qspirit.net/annual-remin...
Clergyman picketed for LGBTQ equality in Fourth of July 1965-69 protests
Early LGBTQ rights protests happened every Fourth of July from 1965 to 1969 in front of Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Among the protesters was Robert W. Wood, the first member of the clergy to pi...
qspirit.net
July Q Spirit Newsletter is out! Saints Sebastian and Francis at Pride march in heaven. Apostle Paul's homosexuality? Queer preacher of 1776, Pauli Murray, Marinos / Marina the Monk, David & Jonathan Jeremy Bentham, Pulse martyrs, Alan Turing, James Tinney and more: conta.cc/3SUzEU9 #faithfullyLGBT
A queer preacher woke from a near-death experience in 1776 with the sense of being neither male nor female. Adopting the name Publick Universal Friend, this nonbinary American fought for gender equality. The Friend died on July 1, 1819. #FaithfullyLGBT qspirit.net/jemima-wilki...
Publick Universal Friend: Queer preacher reborn in 1776
A queer American preacher woke from a near-death experience in 1776 with the sense of being neither male nor female. Adopting the name Publick Universal Friend instead of Jemima Wilkinson, this fascin...
qspirit.net
Human rights champion and queer African American saint Pauli Murray is an author, lawyer and Episcopal priest whose feast day is July 1. This queer saint wrote legal arguments that were used in landmark Supreme Court decisions outlawing discrimination. #faithfullyLGBT qspirit.net/pauli-murray...
Pauli Murray: Queer saint who stood for racial and gender equality
Human rights champion and queer African American saint Pauli Murray was an author, lawyer and priest who is honored in the Episcopal church with a July 1 feast day. This queer saint organized protests...
qspirit.net
Struggle against his own homosexual desires in an intolerant society may have led the Apostle Paul to write about God’s all-inclusive love - and also scriptures used by anti-LGBTQ bigots. June 29 is a feast day for his martyrdom. #faithfullyLGBT qspirit.net/apostle-paul...
Paul the Apostle: Did his homosexuality shape Christianity?
Struggle against his own homosexual desires in an intolerant society may have led the Apostle Paul to write about God’s all-inclusive love -- and also scriptures used by anti-LGBTQ bigots. Some schola...
qspirit.net
Happy Pride Sunday! 🏳️🌈 💜🏳️⚧️ Please donate to the Pride Month offering for my LGBTQ spirituality project. Thanks to 8 donors so far! www.gofundme.com/f/lgbtq-prid...
Donate to LGBTQ Pride offering for Q Spirit 2026, organized by Kittredge Cherry
Make a Pride donation to support my work for LGBTQ spirituality at Q Spirit. Y… Kittredge Cherry needs your support for LGBTQ Pride offering for Q Spirit 2026
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One of the deadliest attacks on #LGBTQ people in US history was the UpStairs Lounge fire at a New Orleans gay bar where worship services were held by the LGBT-affirming @mccdenomination.bsky.social. 32 died there on June 24, 1973. #faithfullyLGBT qspirit.net/upstairs-lou...
UpStairs Lounge fire: 32 killed in deadly attack on LGBTQ people
One of the deadliest attacks on LGBTQ people in US history was the UpStairs Lounge fire at a New Orleans gay bar where 32 died on June 24, 1973. Today’s article tells how they are remembered in films,...
qspirit.net
Pride celebrations are rooted in sacred resistance -- when the queer “saints of Stonewall” fought back against police harassment at the #Stonewall Inn, launching the modern LGBTQ liberation movement on June 28, 1969. #PrideMonth #faithfullyLGBT qspirit.net/saints-of-st...
Saints of Stonewall inspire LGBTQ justice -- and artists, authors and film makers
Pride celebrations are rooted in sacred resistance -- when the queer “saints of Stonewall” fought back against police harassment at the Stonewall Inn, launching the modern LGBTQ liberation movement in...
qspirit.net
Jesus hugs a group of rainbow sheep in “It’s Always Pride,” a cartoon by David Hayward, also known as @nakedpastor.bsky.social. God’s love for LGBTQ people is revealed at Q Spirit in his cartoons for Pride Month and beyond. #FaithfullyLGBT #PrideMonth qspirit.net/lgbtq-christ...
LGBTQ Christian cartoons reveal God's love for all
God’s love for LGBTQ people is revealed at Q Spirit in a series of cartoons by David Hayward, known as nakedpastor.
qspirit.net
Donald Boisvert was a gay theologian, religion professor, author and priest in the Anglican Church of Canada. His books include “Sanctity and Male Desire: A Gay Reading of Saints.” He died on June 19, 2019 at age 67. #FaithfullyLGBT qspirit.net/donald-boisv...
Donald Boisvert: Gay theologian, religion professor, author and Canadian Anglican priest
Donald Boisvert was a gay theologian, religion professor, author and priest in the Anglican Church of Canada. His books include “Sanctity and Male Desire: A Gay Reading of Saints.” He died on June 19,...
qspirit.net
Marinos / Marina the Monk is a patron saint of #transgender parenting or a cross-dressing saint. Raised female, Marinos lived as a male monk, even after false accusations of siring a child. He raised the boy as his own. Feast days: June 17-18. #faithfullyLGBT qspirit.net/marinos-mari...
Marinos / Marina the Monk: Transgender parenting role model and patron saint
Marinos or Marina the Monk has been called a patron saint of transgender parenting or a cross-dressing saint. Assigned female at birth, Marina adopted the name Marinos and entered a monastery as a man...
qspirit.net
Marsha P Johnson was an African American transgender woman activist at the Stonewall Uprising that launched the LGBTQ movement. She is called a saint for her boldness as a black trans activist who cared for queer youth. Art by @klicons.bsky.social #faithfullyLGBT qspirit.net/marsha-p-joh...
Marsha P. Johnson: African American transgender woman at Stonewall Uprising
Marsha P. Johnson was an African American transgender woman activist who was present at the Stonewall Rebellion that launched the modern LGBTQ liberation movement. A bold black trans street activist a...
qspirit.net