Last Updated on December 6, 2023 by Kittredge Cherry
Many great new LGBTQ Christian books are being published in 2018 — including theology, Bible, history, memoir, and church life by diverse authors.
Here are summaries of 15 LGBTQ Christian books released so far this year, plus a list of titles that are coming soon. This article will be updated continuously as the year progresses.
Added in Nov 2018
“Being Called, Being Gay: Discernment for Ministry in the Episcopal Church” by Gregory Millikin.
Challenges faced by LGBTQ people who feel called to ordained ministry are explored in the new book “Being Called, Being Gay: Discernment for Ministry in the Episcopal Church” by Gregory Millikin. The author left a marketing career in the film industry to become vicar of Grace Episcopal Church in New Lenox, Illinois. Published by Church Publishing, an official publisher for the Episcopal Church.
“Just Love: A Journey of Self-Acceptance” by Jayne Ozanne.
New book: A prominent British lesbian church leader tells how she reconciled her sexuality with evangelical faith in “Just Love: A Journey of Self-Acceptance” by Jayne Ozanne. Raised in conservative Christianity, she underwent exorcism and lived a celibate lifestyle before coming out, entering a long-term relationship and becoming an LGBTQ Anglican activist. A Cambridge graduate, she was a founding member of the Archbishops’ Council in the Church of England. Published by Darton Longman and Todd.
“This is What a Gay Minister Looks Like” LGBTQ Pride T-Shirt.
“This is What a Gay Minister Looks Like” T-shirts are a fun new way to show LGBTQ pride and faith. Great way to make a statement at Pride marches, church gatherings or anywhere.
Added in Oct 2018
“Undoing Theology: Life Stories from Non-normative Christians” by Chris Greenough.
Queer theology illuminates the lives of three sexual nonconformists in this scholarly book. The author uses a process of “undoing” to understand an intersex-identifying Catholic, a former ex-gay minister and a Christian who engages in bondage and fetishist practices. The author teaches theology and religion at Edge Hill University in England. The book is based on his Ph.D. thesis, supervised by queer Bible scholar Deryn Guest. Published by SCM Press.
“Surrendering My Ordination: Standing Up for Gay and Lesbian Inclusivity in The United Methodist Church” by J. Philip Wogaman.
A prominent Methodist clergyman explains his dramatic pro-LGBTQ actions of surrendering his ordination. After 60 years as an ordained Methodist minister, he gave up his clergy credentials in 2017 in solidarity with lesbian and gay people denied ordination by his denomination. He served as senior pastor of Foundry United Methodist Church in Washington DC, president of the American Theological Society and ethics professor at Wesley Theological Seminary. Published by Westminster John Knox Press.
Added in Sept 2018
“A Gracious Heresy: The Queer Calling of an Unlikely Prophet” by Connie Tuttle.
A lesbian minister tells the twists and turns of her spiritual journey in this lively memoir. She started out as an interdenominational “army brat.” Transcendent experiences and her urgent sense of call led her to the Presbyterian Church, where she took a prophetic stance against the ban on openly lesbian and gay clergy. Since 1993 she has served as founding pastor of Circle of Grace, a progressive ecumenical feminist Christian house church in Atlanta, Georgia. Published by Resource Publications, an imprint of Wipf and Stock.
“Letters to a Young Gay Christian” by Aaron Walsh.
Each encouraging chapter is a letter intended for a certain moment in the life of an LGBTQ Christian. It could also be titled “Letters FROM a Young Gay Christian” and enjoyed by people of all ages. Chapters include “For the Day You Think You Might Be Gay… But You’re Not Sure…” “For the Day You Are Rejected By a Loved One for Being Gay” and “For When You Wonder if You are Ready For Sex.” It presents scriptures plus wisdom from writers such as Helen Keller and Kierkegard. The author is a social worker who wrote the book that he needed during his own years of struggle with sexuality and spirituality: “a book that spoke directly to me in my pain, confusion, loneliness, hopes, and dreams.” Published by Create Space.
Added in August 2018
BESTSELLER AT Q SPIRIT
“Queer Theology: Beyond Apologetics” by Linn Marie Tonstad.
Going beyond arguments for including LGBTQ people in the church, this guide provides a clear introduction to queer theology and what it reveals about desire, death, money, justice, and Christianity itself. An intelligent yet accessible overview, the book is widely praised for is lucid prose. It is the next best thing to enrolling in the author’s Queer Theology seminar at Yale Divinity School, where she is associate professor of systemic theology. Her book “God and Difference: The Trinity, Sexuality, and the Transformation of Finitude” was one of the Top 25 LGBTQ Christian books of 2015. Published by Cascade Books, an imprint of Wipf and Stock.
BESTSELLER AT Q SPIRIT
BARGAIN ALERT: Lowest-priced book on the list
“Transfigured: A 40-Day Devotional for Gender-Queer and Transgender People” by Suzanne DeWitt Hall.
Be transfigured by the inclusive love and insights in this 40-day devotional for only $10. “Transfigured” is aimed at gender-queer and transgender people, but anyone will be blessed by its liberating scripture-based meditations. Meet “our gender-full God” and the Biblical eunuchs who became “non-binary heroes.” Discover how the Bible affirms gender complexity, transformation and freedom. Each day concludes with an inspirational quote from a variety of thinkers, from classics such as Saint Bonaventure and C.S. Lewis to contemporary trans trailblazers such as Austen Hartke and H. Adam Ackley. This is Volume 2 of the “Where True Love Is” series. The first volume was a bestseller on Q Spirit’s Top 25 LGBTQ Christian books of 2017. Foreword by Paula Stone Williams, a transgender woman, Colorado pastor and popular speaker on LGBTQ rights. The author is a freelance writer and HuffPost blogger who lives in Massachusetts with her wife. Published by DH Strategies.
“Together at the Table: Diversity without Division in the United Methodist Church” by Karen Oliveto.
The first openly LGBTQ bishop in the United Methodist Church tells her personal story with a message that “diversity is a sign of divinity.” She shares her experience of coming out and following God’s call to ordained ministry, and offers guidance to a church that is debating inclusion of LGBTQ people. Published by Westminster John Knox Press. Oliveto’s book “Our Strangely Warmed Hearts: Coming Out into God’s Call” is also being published in 2018.
Bestsellers
(Ranked by sales through Q Spirit as of July 20, 2018)
BESTSELLER AT Q SPIRIT
“A Church for All” by Gayle Pitman.
In this LGBTQ Christian children’s picture book, charming pictures and short text show a church that embraces people regardless of age, class, race, physical ability, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Sunday morning at an inclusive church is shown in an illustrated book for kids from pre-school to age 8. Adults can learn from it too! Pitman is a psychology professor at Sacramento City College and the author of the Stonewall Book Award-winning title “This Day in June.” Illustrations by Laure Fournier, who studied art in France and England. Published by Albert Whitman and Co.
BESTSELLER AT Q SPIRIT
“Transfaith: A Transgender Pastoral Care Handbook” by Chris Dowd and Christina Beardsley with Justin Tanis.
This practical resource can help congregations welcome transgender people. Chapters cover terminology, church writings on trans people, theological reflections, Bible studies with discussion points, extensive bibliography, and liturgies such as a rite for preparation for surgery and a renaming ceremony, A chapter on transgender people in the United States is written by Tanis, who directs the LGBTQ center at Pacific School of Religion. Dowd has pastored multiple churches and Beardsley is a Church of England priest. Beardsley’s book “This is My Body: Hearing the Theology of Transgender Christians” was the #1 bestseller on Q Spirit’s Top 35 LGBTQ Christian books of 2016. Published by Darton, Longman and Todd Ltd.
BESTSELLER AT Q SPIRIT
“Our Strangely Warmed Hearts: Coming Out into God’s Call” by Karen P. Oliveto.
The first openly lesbian bishop in the United Methodist Church writes about LGBTQ people in church and society. She uses personal stories, first-person statements by others and clear explanations to reveal how LGBTQ Methodists find grace and live out their faith despite a denomination that has sometimes denied them. Chapters also cover the history of the LGBTQ liberation movement and Methodist positions on homosexuality. Published by Abingdon Press. Oliveto’s book “Together at the Table: Diversity without Division in the United Methodist Church” is also being published in 2018.
Theology
“Meaningful Flesh: Reflections on Religion and Nature for a Queer Planet” by Whitney Bauman (editor).
Both religion and nature are surprisingly queer, according to contributors to this collection of scholarly essays. They challenge boundaries by looking at African American religious naturalism, an irreverent theology of animal sexual behavior, a queerly theological anthropology of enchanting animals, queer ethics in the age of globalization and climate change, moving past violent binaries with “queer green sex toys,” and more. The editor is associate professor of religion at Florida International University in Miami. Other contributors are Jacob J. Erickson, Jay Emerson Johnson, Timothy Morton, “Gay and Gaia” author Daniel Spencer, and Carol Wayne White. Published by Punctum Books.
BESTSELLER AT Q SPIRIT
“Outside the Lines: How Embracing Queerness Will Transform Your Faith” by Mihee Kim-Kort.
A Presbyterian minister tells how awareness of her queer sexuality brought her closer to God and helped her love better. The author mixes her personal story with Biblical analysis and theological reflection in an upbeat conversational style. She shows how Jesus expresses God’s love in a queer and radical way, embracing everyone outside the lines. Foreword by spirituality author Rachel Held Evans. The author is pursuing a PhD in religious studies at Indiana University. Published by Fortress Press, the official publisher for the Lutheran Church.
“Beyond a Binary God: A Theology for Trans* Allies” by Tara K. Soughers.
How and why to affirm trans people in church are the focus of this new guide. The author is a parent of a trans young adult and an Episcopal priest in Massachusetts. The book includes theological reflection and questions for discussion / journaling. Published by Church Publishing Inc, an official publisher for the Episcopal Church.
Bible
BESTSELLER AT Q SPIRIT
“Transforming: The Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians” by Austen Hartke.
Stories of Bible characters and transgender Christians alive today help equip readers to build a more inclusive church. The author is creator of the YouTube series “Transgender and Christian” and graduate of Luther Seminary’s Master of Arts program in Old Testament/Hebrew Bible Studies. Published by Westminster John Knox Press.
Church, ministry and society
“Gay on God’s Campus: Mobilizing for LGBT Equality at Christian Colleges and Universities” by Jonathan S. Coley.
Students are mobilizing for greater LGBT inclusion in Christian higher education through protests, dialogue and support groups. A sociologist interviews students at a range of schools, discovering how they transform educational institutions and their own lives. The author is assistant professor of sociology at Monmouth College in Illinois. Published by University of North Carolina Press.
“The Fight for Marriage: Church Conflicts and Courtroom Contests” by Phillip Cramer and William Harbison.
Christian attorneys give a moving first-hand account of how they helped win marriage equality at the US Supreme Court. The authors are both active in the United Methodist Church — and they represented three same-sex couples in the landmark Supreme Court case. They describe their own faith journeys and present a faith-based narrative for marriage equality. Published by Abingdon Press.
“Filled with the Spirit: Sexuality, Gender, and Radical Inclusivity in a Black Pentecostal Church Coalition” by Ellen Lewin.
LGBTQ African American faith struggles and church life are revealed with an in-depth look at The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries, a group founded by Bishop Yvette Flunder. With clarity and close attention to faith and spirituality, the book explores the “double consciousness” of being LGBT and black, worship that simultaneously reclaims and challenges Christian tradition, how coming out and personal authenticity relate to being filled with the Holy Spirit, and much more. The author is professor of anthropology and of gender, women’s, and sexuality studies at the University of Iowa. Published by University of Chicago Press.
“Queer Nuns: Religion, Activism, and Serious Parody” by Melissa M. Wilcox.
A scholar examines the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a protest and street performance charity that uses drag and repurposed religious imagery for “serious parody” of sexual intolerance on behalf of LGBTQ communities. While spoofing Catholic nuns, they also seriously claim to be “queer nuns” and consider it a spiritual practice. Founded in 1979, the Sisters have grown to 83 houses on four different continents. The author is religious studies professor at the University of California, Riverside. Published by New York University Press.
History
“Devotions and Desires: Histories of Sexuality and Religion in the Twentieth-Century United States” by Gillian Frank, Bethany Moreton, and Heather R. White (editors).
LGBTQ religious life has an important place in this diverse collection, including chapters on: AIDS ministry at Metropolitan Community Church of San Francisco by Lynne Gerber. Gay communalist spirituality Daniel Rivers. Same-sex desire in the life of a 1920s YWCA worker by Kathi Kern. Gay and lesbian Reconstructionist rabbis by Rebecca Alpert and Jacob Staub. Afterword by famed LGBTQ historian John D’Emilio. Edited by Princeton religion fellow Gillian Frank, Dartmouth history professor Bethany Moreton, and Heather R. White, assistant professor of religion at the University of Puget Sound and author of “Reforming Sodom.” Published by University of North Carolina Press.
Memoir and biography
“Undivided: A Memoir of Finding My Voice” by Vicky Beeching.
A contemporary Christian rock star tells her brave coming-out journey in this deeply personal memoir. Vicky Beeching sang at megachurches as the poster-girl for evangelical Christianity and her songs became staples at church around the world — but inside she struggled to reconcile her faith with her lesbian identity. A health crisis at age 35 led her to go public with her sexual orientation. She lost her career but found peace with God. Now she works as a writer, broadcaster and LGBT equality campaigner. Published by HarperCollins.
Poetry
“Mosaic of the Dark” by Lisa Dordal.
Themes of Christian faith and queer identity intertwine in poetry that elegantly reveals truths of the heart and spirit. The poet gives voice to her own journey: coming out of the closet as a lesbian, grappling with family issues and eventually developing mystical a awareness in which every experience can evoke the affirmation, “This, too, is praying.” Holy Week and the road of Emmaus become touchstones for her transformation. The author is a contributor to “Rainbow in the Word” who teaches in the English department at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. Published by Black Lawrence Press.
Fiction
“THEY: A Biblical Tale of Secret Genders” by Janet Mason.
Gender-fluid and gender-nonconforming characters act on their passions in this creative Bible-based novel. Readers meet Tamar from the Hebrew Scriptures as she follows the adventures of intersex twins born to her sister. The story is lifesaving for the LGBTQ community and liberating to others. Excerpts were presented at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Restoration in Philadelphia. The author is teacher, radio commentator and blogger. Published by Adelaide Books.
Gifts
Queer Clergy Trading Cards Random 12-Pack
Queer Clergy Trading Cards bring visibility to LGBTQ ministers with humor and witty style. Queer clergy look cool on these virtual “trading cards.” Like the more familiar baseball trading cards, each card combines a portrait photo with written info about the individual. Queer Clergy Trading Cards list each person’s strength (“super-power”), weakness (“kryptonite”) and their “walk-out song” for making a grand entrance. Some clergy are also given clever job titles such as “butch pastor,” ”femminster,” “renegade priest,” “spiritual directrix” and “inclusivator.” Flipping through the pack of cards gives a welcome overview of the diversity and carefree spirit among today’s queer clergy. The multiracial group includes people of many ages and denominations. For more info, see Queer Clergy Trading Cards bring visibility with humor. Created by United Church of Christ minister Chris Davies.
Wilgefortis “patron saint of gender equality” shirts and postcards
Queer saint Wilgefortis appears as “patron saint of gender equality and protection” in an icon by artist Shoushan. Wilgefortis prayed to avoid marriage to a pagan king — and her prayers were answered when she grew a beard! This “virgin martyr” has natural appeal for LGBTQ people. Her popularity has continued since the Middle Ages despite church opposition. The icon is available at Amazon on T-shirts and postcards and at Etsy on T-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies.
Adam and Steve ceramic coffee mug and shirts
Adam and Steve, the original same-sex couple, appear together on fun mugs. Great way to show your LGBTQ faith and pride. Critics can claim that God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve. But this mug proclaims that God DID create Adam and Steve too. Same image is also available on a variety of shirts.
Religious medals same-sex paired saints Perpetua and Felicity or Sergius and Bacchus
Same-sex paired saints Perpetua and Felicity or Sergius and Bacchus appear together as a couple on religious medals available in yellow or white gold or sterling silver. Some consider them gay/lesbian saints or patrons of same-sex couples. Perpetua and Felicity were North African woman friends who were executed for their Christian faith in the third century. They are named together in the Roman Catholic Canon of the Mass. Sergius and Bacchus were third-century Roman soldiers martyred for their Christian faith. Their close bond has been emphasized since the earliest accounts.
Recently released
“New Approaches in History and Theology to Same-Sex Love and Desire” by Mark Chapman and Dominic Janes (editors). Published by Palgrave Macmillan.
“Open: A Memoir of Faith, Family, and Sexuality in the Heartland” by E Scott Jones.
“Given Up for You: A Memoir of Love, Belonging, and Belief” by Erin O. White. Published by University of Wisconsin Press.
Coming soon and available for pre-order
Jan. 8, 2019
“Modern Kinship: A Queer Guide to Christian Marriage” by David and Constantino Khalaf. Foreword by Rachel Held Evans. Published by Westminster John Knox Press.
March 1, 2019
“Dying to Be Normal: Gay Martyrs and the Transformation of American Sexual Politics” by Brett Krutzsch. Published by Oxford University Press.
March 12, 2019
“Unashamed: A Coming-Out Guide for LGBTQ Christians” by Amber Cantorna. Published by Westminster John Knox Press.
Related links
Top 23 LGBTQ Christian books of 2023 named
Top 35 LGBTQ Christian books of 2022 named
Top 28 LGBTQ Christian books of 2021 named
Top 30 LGBTQ Christian books of 2020 named
Top 23 LGBTQ Christian books of 2019 named
Top 30 LGBTQ Christian books of 2018 named
Top 25 LGBTQ Christian books of 2017 named
Top 35 LGBTQ Christian books of 2016 named
Top 25 LGBTQ Christian books of 2015 named
Top 25 LGBTQ Christian books of 2014 named
Basic LGBTQ Christian books: Where to start?
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Image credit: LGBTQ Christian books with rainbow flag logo by Andrew Craig William
Copyright © Kittredge Cherry. All rights reserved.
Qspirit.net presents the Jesus in Love Blog on LGBTQ spirituality.
Thank you for sharing! I will share your article with attendees at a Wildgoose program along with other resources for GLBT Christians.
Thanks, Joyce, for spreading the good news. The Wildgoose festival sounds fantastic.