15 LGBT Christians on What Being Queer Has Taught Them About Faith

I recently started reading an excellent book by the Reverend Elizabeth M. Edman, who is an Episcopal priest, political strategist, and super awesome lesbian. The book, titled “Queer Virtue,” goes beyond the question of whether or not homosexuality is Biblically permissible, and celebrates the inherent queerness of spirituality and Christian ethics. She argues that a queer identity is not only “ok,” but can enrich one’s understanding of the Divine and should be acknowledged as a unique expression of God’s love and creativity. Y’all. I’m only a few chapters in, but I’ve been snapping and amen-ing throughout the whole thing. Like, the other people in this coffee shop are starting to stare.

It’s so easy (and so understandable) to get caught up in the hardship of being an LGBT person of faith. There’s plenty to be angry about and plenty to mourn. The Church has a lot of…