Last Updated on March 20, 2024 by Kittredge Cherry

New LGBTQ Christian books are being published in 2023, including theology, Bible, history, memoir, church life and spirituality by diverse authors.

Update: A full list of the Top 23 LGBTQ Christian books of 2023 is posted now at this link: https://qspirit.net/top-lgbtq-christian-books-2023/

Here are summaries of LGBTQ Christian books released so far this year, plus lists of titles that are coming soon or recently published. As of May, major publishers seem to be releasing fewer LGBTQ Christian books in 2023, probably due to the economic slowdown. Hard-to-find new gifts for LGBTQ Christians and allies are included too. Books on this list cost less than $100 — usually A LOT less. This article will be updated continuously during the year.

Added in November

BESTSELLER AT Q SPIRIT
“My Life: as a Boy, Priest, Gay Man, and Artist” by Jan Haen.

An openly gay Roman Catholic priest reveals his adventurous life and ministry in this cartoon-style memoir. During a half-century of priesthood, author Jan Haen found surprising ways to unite his inclusive spirituality, queer sexuality, and monumental artistry across the globe in Europe, Africa and the Caribbean. He sparked both admiration and controversy by showing same-sex couples in his religious art. His first book “Heavenly Homos: Queer Icons from LGBTQ Life, Religion and History” was on the Q Spirit’s list of the top LGBTQ Christian books of 2022, and the sequel “Heavenly LGBTQ+” was published earlier this year. Click here for a full article about this new autobiography. Published by Apocryphile Press.

“Queering Christian Worship: Reconstructing Liturgical Theology” by Bryan Cones (editor) with Sharon R. Fennema W. Scott Haldeman Stephen Burns (contributing editors).

Delightfully queer ways to worship come to light in this illuminating collection of essays by leading scholars. They amplify the distinctive voices of LGBTQIA+ Christians who are transforming traditional liturgical practices, including preaching, sacraments, and music. The three-part book examines the growing impact of queer viewpoints on church rituals, provides case studies, and looks ahead at potential futures. Thoughtful reflections explore controversies that arose when more inclusive worship methods were introduced. Editor Bryan Cones holds a PhD in liturgical and practical theology from University of Divinity in Melbourne, Australia. The contributing editors are all professors of worship or liturgical theology. Contributors Susannah Cornwall and Stephanie Budwey have appeared before on Q Spirit’s annual list of the top LGBTQ Christian books. Scheduled for publication Nov. 21 by Seabury Books, an imprint of Church Publishing, an official publisher of worship resources for the Episcopal Church.

Recently released

“Queer Ministers’ Voices from the Global South: ‘A Burning Fire in My Bones’” by Lisa Isherwood and Hugo Córdova Quero (editors). Published by Routledge.

“Rainbow Psalms in 30 Days” by Stephen Joseph Wolf (compiler). Published by ‎ IDJC Press.

“Why The Clergy Lied: A Journalist’s Academic Report on LGBTQ and Christianity” (Book 1) by D L Day. Independently published.

“How The Clergy Lied: A Journalist’s Academic Report on LGBTQ and Biblical Interpretation” (Book 2) by D. L. Day. Independently published.

“Holy Runaways: Rediscovering Faith After Being Burned by Religion” by Matthias Roberts. Published by Broadleaf Books.

“Raising Kids beyond the Binary: Celebrating God’s Transgender and Gender-Diverse Children” by Jamie Bruesehoff. Published by Broadleaf Books.

“Forward!: Thoughts of a Trans Woman on the Christian Journey” by Lynn Elizabeth Walker. Foreword by David E. Weekley. Published by Resource Publications, an imprint of Wipf and Stock.

Coming soon and available for pre-order

Nov. 7, 2023
“Queer Callings: Untimely Notes on Names and Desires” by Mark D. Jordan. Published by Fordham University Press.

Jan. 12, 2024
“Yes Gawd!: How Faith Shapes LGBT Identity and Politics in the United States” by Royal G. Cravens III. Published by Temple University Press.

Jan. 12, 2024
“Queering Black Churches: Dismantling Heteronormativity in African American Congregations” by Brandon Thomas Crowley. Published by Oxford University Press.

April 2, 2024
“Love Is Greater than AIDS: A Memoir of Survival, Healing, and Hope” by Stephen Pieters. Published by Rowman & Littlefield.

May 21, 2024
“Queering Contemplation: Finding Queerness in the Roots and Future of Contemplative Spirituality” by Cassidy Hall. Published by Broadleaf Books.

June 4, 2024
“God, Gospel, and Gender: A Queer Bible Study for Teens” by Margie Baker. Published by Church Publishing.

Added in October

“After Method: Queer Grace, Conceptual Design, and the Possibility of Theology” by Hanna Reichel.

Queer theologian Marcella Althaus-Reid is put into conversation with Karl Barth, the most important theologian of the 20th century in this scholarly yet lively analysis based on queer experience. The book finds queer grace by going beyond both the systematic (Barth) and constructive (Althaus-Reid) methods, building a new theology to better address reality. Educated in Germany, the author is associate professor of Reformed theology at Princeton Theological Seminary. They are an internationally recognized Barth scholar. “ ‘After Method’ assumes the impossibility of doing theology right–and moves beyond it,” promises its publisher, Westminster John Knox Press.

“Next Time You Come Home” by Lisa Dordal and Milly Dordal.

Letters between a mother and daughter reflect on same-sex relationships, religion, motherhood, grief, nature, sexism and racism in this collection of 180 letters sent between 1989-2001. The author teaches in the English department at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, and holds both Master of Divinity and Master of Fine Arts degrees from Vanderbilt. Her previous poetry collections, “Water Lessons” and “Mosaic of the Dark,” were on Q Spirit’s lists of the top LGBTQ Christian books in 2018 and 2022. Published by Black Lawrence Press.

Added in September

“Josephine: A Trans Story of Biblical Proportions” by J Mase III (author) and Wriply Bennet (illustrator).

Joseph, a popular figure in the Bible’s Book of Genesis, is a gender-nonconformist in this creative retelling. The book provides modern counter-narratives to dismantle anti-trans Biblical rhetoric. The author is a black/trans/queer poet. Raised in a Christian and Muslim home, Mase won a Lambda Literary Award for transgender nonfiction in 2020 for “The Black Trans Prayer Book.” It also appears on Q Spirit’s list of the top LGBTQ Christian books of 2020. Published by‎ Tell Them I Was a Poet L.L.C.

“Storming the Gate: Fighting Religion-based Oppression with Soul Force” by Mel White.

Heroic and sometimes hilarious experiences of battling the anti-LGBTQ lies of the Christian right are told by one of America’s most celebrated gay Christian authors. Mel White came out as gay after serving as ghostwriter for right-wing televangelists such as Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, and Billy Graham. This memoir is the sequel to his best-selling 1994 autobiography, “Stranger at the Gate: To Be Gay and Christian in America.” Foreword by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist/minister Chris Hedges. Published by Cascade Books, an imprint of Wipf and Stock.

Added in August

“Faith and Sexuality: Reconciling LGBT+ People and Christianity” by Shane St. Reynolds.

A gay Australian pastor brings together sexuality and spirituality in this comprehensive, inspirational mega-mix of memoir, Bible study, theology, prayers, resources and stories of other LGBT+ Christians. Raised in a conservative evangelical family, the author overcame challenges of trauma, grief and addiction to pursue his call to ministry despite anti-LGBTQ church policies. Foreword by Peter Lewis, researcher at the Centre for Coins, Culture and Religious History, a ministry of St. John’s Anglican Cathedral in Brisbane, Australia. The author is a gay pastor and founder of the Universal Church of Love on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia. He is building on his previous theological education by joining the 2023 summer school program at Christ Church, Oxford University. Published by LifeRich.

“Butterfly Angels: Aug & Lucy’s Journey” by Margaret Ann Lourdes.

A scrappy angel named Aug relishes confronting the Catholic Church over its treatment of LGBTQ people in this fantasy fiction. In one memorable chapter, Aug shocks a conservative priest by organizing drag queens and other LGBTQ people to pack the Joan of Arc Cathedral for Sunday mass. Serious issues are addressed with a light touch. The diverse angelic team also takes on gun violence and other contemporary challenges on their mission to heal the world. It’s like the “Touched by an Angel” TV series was updated with today’s LGBTQ energy. This debut novel is also similar to “Grace & Demion: A Fable for Victims of Biblical Intolerance” by Mel White. The author is a Michigan attorney, adjunct law professor and a practicing Catholic. Independently published.

Added in July

“The(y)ology: Mythopoetics for Queer/Trans Liberation” by Max Yeshaye Brumberg-Kraus.

Liberation theologies shed light on drag performance, queer autobiographies and much more in this far-reaching, multi-faceted analysis. The author is a Minnesota poet, playwright, drag artist, and independent scholar with a theology degree from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. Published by Punctum Books.

Added in June

“Gender Essentialism and Orthodoxy: Beyond Male and Female” by Bryce Rich.

Queer theology meets the Eastern Orthodox tradition. The book uses an interdisciplinary approach to critique the concept of a fixed gender binary in the context of the Orthodox church. Theological implications are examined for same-sex marriage, women’s ordination and pastoral care of transgender people. The author has a PhD in theology from the University of Chicago and participated in six conferences on Orthodoxy and sexuality in Finland, Norway and England. Published by Fordham University Press.

“For Love of Self” by Robin Reardon.

A gay Unitarian Universalist minister encounters love and paganism in a novel set in 1980s Vermont. His congregation accepts him as gay, but he meets mysterious resistance from a pagan group in a journey that reconciles sexuality, spirituality and the importance of loving oneself. The book is second in a trilogy that began with “For Love of God,” which was one of the top LGBTQ Christian books of 2022 at Q Spirit. The author is a Boston writer whose 13 novels include various LGBTQ characters. Published by Iam Books.

“Meet My Jesus” by Candy Leigh (author) and Nejla Shojaie (illustrator).

Jesus loves LGBTQ+ kids along with everybody else in a book for kids in pre-school and up. Cute pictures and rhyming text present a progressive Christian message with verses such as: “The Jesus I know doesn’t care if you’re gay. He takes pride in the kindness you show every day.” There’s even a book-launch coloring contest for that page. Based in Wisconsin, Leigh is branching out as an author and educator after a successful corporate career. Shojaie has illustrated dozens of children’s books. Published by Eight Limbs Press.

Added in May

“The Other Evangelicals: A Story of Liberal, Black, Progressive, Feminist, and Gay Christians―and the Movement That Pushed Them Out” by Isaac B. Sharp.

LGBTQ Christians and others excluded by the evangelical movement are brought back from the margins in this inclusive history. Evangelism’s past turns out to be surprisingly diverse. Individual chapters are dedicated to the little-known experiences of each outsider group: liberals, black evangelicals, progressives, feminists and gay evangelicals. Foreword by David P. Gushee. The author is visiting assistant professor of theology and director of online and part-time programs at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. Published by Eerdmans.

Added in April

“Hidden Histories: Faith and Black Lesbian Leadership” by Monique Moultrie.

Oral histories of black lesbian U.S. religious leaders reveal fresh patterns for theology, activism and ethical leadership this scholarly book. It is not a collection of oral histories, but an analysis based on them, arranged thematically. This first-of-its-kind work is based on the oral history interviews of 18 black lesbian leaders from various traditions. Most are Protestant Christians, but Buddhist, Jewish, Muslim and other voices are also included. The author is associate professor of religious studies at Georgia State University in Atlanta. Published by Duke University Press.

“The Father, the Son and the Slave” by Christopher Grant.

Set amid the Passion narrative, this historical novel revolves around the relationships of three men: the closeted homosexual carpenter Josef; his young Nubian slave, Metlip; and his estranged son, Iesu. He returns home after a three-year absence to find out if Josef is really his father. The answer impacts Iesu’s plan to change the world — a world that Josef depends upon to hide the life-long secret that could mean his death. The discord also provokes Metlip’s rebellion. The author is a Canadian screenwriter. Independently published in 2021. Special alert: The author is offering FREE digital copies to Q Spirit readers. Use coupon code KF22U to get it for free at Smashwords.com until May 27, 2023. “All I ask is an honest star-rating and perhaps a short review,” he added.

Added in March

BESTSELLER AT Q SPIRIT
“Heavenly LGBTQ+: Queer Icons from LGBTQ Life, Religion and History” by Jan Haen.

Discover the inspiring stories of LGBTQ people who bravely faced conflicts with church and society throughout history and around the world, including during the 2022 invasion of Ukraine in this illustrated book. Large, colorful artwork on every page tells the stories of 17 diverse international LGBTQ figures from Alvin Ailey to Xenia of St. Petersburg, with up-to-the minute insights on Ukraine. The majority are people of color. They include saints, activists, martyrs, ministers, writers and performers from North and South America, Africa, Asia and Europe. Forgotten historical figures emerge from the shadows alongside more prominent individuals such as U.S. civil-rights champions Bayard Rustin and Pauli Murray and British lesbian writer Anne Lister. Most lived in the 20th and 21st centuries. Their courage inspires hope for LGBTQ+ people. Short, accessible text lets the pictures tell their stories. It is a sequel to “Heavenly Homos, Etc.,” which was the #1 bestseller on Q Spirit’s list of the top LGBTQ Christian books of 2022. The author is a Dutch artist and Roman Catholic priest whose work appears frequently on Q Spirit. Published by Apocryphile Press. Full article on Q Spirit. Book review by DignityUSA.

BESTSELLER AT Q SPIRIT
“Holy Queer: The Coming Out of Christ” by Karmen Michael Smith.

Black queer experience sheds fresh light on Christ and the church in a book that mixes memoir with Bible study and theology. Raised in small-town Texas, the author describes growing up marginalized within the black church for being queer. He finds an all-inclusive Christ and LGBTQ-positive themes buried in the Bible, but critiques the eight historically Black Christian denominations. Promotional materials for the book state that “none (ZERO) of them are LGBTQ+ affirming.” Religion News Service did a major article about the book. Endorsed by Cornell West. The author is an ordained nondenominational Christian minister who directs the Center for Community Engagement and Social Justice at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. Published by Poor Culture Press.

“I’m Cool with It” zippered bag with Jesus and rainbow flags

Jesus affirms, “I’m cool with it” as he waves two rainbow flags. The multi-purpose zippered bag can serve as a travel pouch, cosmetics bag, pencil case or electronics bag — or use it to hold any other small items. It measures about 6 by 9 inches and is made of canvas. Show LGBTQ Christian pride with this fun, inexpensive pouch.

Added in February

BESTSELLER AT Q SPIRIT
“LGBTQ Catholic Ministry: Past and Present” by Jason Steidl.

Grassroots LGBTQ Catholic movements over the last 75 years are explored in this accessible and well-researched historical account. The little-known story of their holy resistance begins with the Eucharistic Catholic Church founded by George Hyde in the 1940s and covers Dignity, New Ways Ministry, Fortunate Families, and Out at St. Paul. Moving into the present, the book covers the evolution of James Martin’s LGBTQ outreach and the formation of new ministries such as Internet-based Vine & Fig. A selected bibliography is included. The author teaches religious studies at St. Joseph’s University in New York and has participated for a decade in Out at St. Paul (OSP), the LGBTQ ministry of St. Paul the Apostle Church in Manhattan. Foreword by James Martin. Published by Paulist Press.

“The Sexual Politics of Black Churches” by Josef Sorett (editor)

LGBTQ experience plays a large role in this look at the sexual politics of black churches. The interdisciplinary collection includes the chapter by Wallace Best that just won the Mollenkott Award for outstanding scholarship in LGBTQ religious history for examining Chicago pastor Clarence Cobbs. In other chapters, leading scholars address such topics as marriage equality, intersectional invisibility of black gay Christians, and “Gay Is the New Black, Theologically Speaking.” The editor is professor of religion and African American and African diaspora studies at Columbia University. Published by Columbia University Press.

“Not a Tame Lion” documentary on John Boswell

Gay church historian John Boswell’s life and impact on LGBTQ acceptance are explored in a new documentary film. First-hand accounts from his closest friends, family, students and colleagues shed light on his life, including how he worked feverishly to finish “Same-Sex Unions in Medieval Europe” in the final days before his death from AIDS at age 47 in 1994. It is written and directed by Craig Bettendorf, an openly gay film maker and LGBTQ activist who ministered the Anglican tradition. Bettendorf is the author of the book “A Biblical Defense Guide for Gays, Lesbians and Those Who Love Them.” After winning awards at film festivals in 2022, “Not a Tame Lion” just became available on Amazon Prime Video with a rolling release on other streaming platforms.

“Jesus for All” art print by Andrea Noel

A black Christ welcomes LGBTQ people in “Jesus for All” by Andrea Noel, an Afro-Caribbean artist based in Baltimore. Her Jesus expresses queer solidarity through bright rainbow colors that stream from the head of Christ. The rainbow rays include LGBTQ symbols: linked female signs, linked male signs and a transgender symbol. This Jesus has dreadlocks and dark skin marked with lighter streaks that unite him with all races. He is surrounded by dynamic patterns inspired by Noel’s Trinidadian roots. She is a self-taught artist, born in Selma, Alabama, but raised in Trinidad and Tobago. Her art is available as prints on her website and at her Etsy shop: A Noel Creates.

Bonus: More LGBTQ Christian books released in 2023

“To Speak a Defiant Word: Sermons and Speeches on Justice and Transformation” by Pauli Murray. Published by Yale University Press.

“Bayard Rustin: A Legacy of Protest and Politics” by Michael G. Long (editor). Published by New York University Press.

“Always Matt: A Tribute to Matthew Shepard” by Lesléa Newman (author) and Brian Britigan (illustrator) explores the life and legacy of gay martyr Matthew Shepard, including people who took action in his memory. Foreword by Jason Collins, the first openly gay active basketball player in the NBA, who chose the number “98” for his uniform to honor Shepard. Published by Harry N. Abrams / Abrams ComicArts. Published by Harry N. Abrams / Abrams ComicArts.

“That’s Me In The Corner: A Royally Tragic Tale Of Queer Love of Biblical Proportions” (fictional homage to David and Jonathan) by Jeff Crim. Independently published.

“New Ways and Next Steps: Developing Parish LGBTQ+ Ministry” by Francis DeBernardo. Published by Liturgical Press.

“Why the Church of the Nazarene Should Be Fully LGBTQ+ Affirming” by Thomas Jay Oord and Alexa Oord (editors). Published by SacraSage Press.

“The Expanse: Homos, Hobos and the Holy Hereafter!” by Ryan Althaus. Independently published.

“Divinely Queer: Inclusive Readings in Theology” by Pete Cossaboon. Independently published.

“Nun Better: An Amazing Love Story” by Joanie Lindenmeyer and Carol Tierheimer. Memoir of nuns who fell in love. Published by Two Sisters Writing and Publishing.

“Bisexual Relationship in Church: A Theology of Bisexual Liberation” by Steve Castle. Independently published.

“Challenged by Life’s Proud Waves” (memoir) by Charles Blanchard. Published by Archway.

“Oh Love, Come Close: A Memoir” by Lindsey Frazier. Published by Dexterity.

“Affirmative: Why You Can Say Yes to the Bible and Yes to People Who Are LGBTQI+” by Jonathan Tallon. Published by Richardson Jones Press.

2 Comments

Jim Riddel on at

There is nothing to reject. The scholarship is excellent!
CGesange on at

Does the documentary “Not A Tame Lion” admit that historians, including gay historians such as Alan Bray, have rejected Boswell’s claims in “Same-Sex Unions in Medieval Europe” (and most of his other stuff) ?