USA Archives - Page 2 of 7

Allen Schindler: LGBTQ role the military highlighted by murder of gay sailor

by Kittredge Cherry | | Oct. 15-31, Saints

Navy Seaman Allen Schindler brought international attention to LGBTQ people in the military when he was murdered for being gay on Oct. 27, 1992. Schindler’s murder remains relevant as U.S. lawmakers consider banning transgender people from military service, based on a...

Kittredge Cherry: Christianity inspired me to come out as a lesbian

by Kittredge Cherry | | Calendar, Featured, Oct. 15-31

I am celebrating my birthday on Oct. 21 by re-posting this reflection on my coming-out story and life journey as a lesbian Christian. During my birthday month, I try to appreciate my own accomplishments and reflect on my dreams for the future. My 2025 birthday wish:...

Vida Dutton Scudder: Lesbian saint, reformer and teacher

by Kittredge Cherry | | Oct 1-15, Saints

Vida Dutton Scudder is an American social reformer, professor, prominent lesbian author — and an officially recognized saint in the Episcopal Church. Her feast day is Oct. 10. Her ideas on economic inequality are especially relevant amid the financial crises of...

Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Two-spirit Native Americans bridge genders

by Kittredge Cherry | | Calendar, Oct 1-15

Two-spirit Native Americans are honored at Q Spirit for Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Oct 13, 2025). It is an alternative to the U.S. national holiday Columbus Day, which commemorates the arrival of European explorer Christopher Columbus in the Americas on Oct. 12, 1492....

Metropolitan Community Churches: Ministering in the LGBTQ community since 1968: Historic MCC photos from Kittredge Cherry

by Kittredge Cherry | | Calendar, Oct 1-15

Metropolitan Community Churches, the first denomination to affirm LGBTQ people, was founded on Oct. 6, 1968 by Troy Perry. Dozens of my photos from more than 35 years of MCC history are posted today in honor of the anniversary. The photos posted here show highlights...

Carl Bean: Black LGBTQ church founder who sang “I Was Born This Way”

by Kittredge Cherry | | Saints, Sept 1-15

Carl Bean was founding archbishop of the Unity Fellowship Church Movement in the black LGBTQ community, early AIDS activist and Motown singer of the 1977 gay-liberation anthem “I Was Born This Way.” He died Sept. 7, 2021 at age 77 after a long illness. Bean (May 26,...

Virginia Mollenkott: Trailblazing queer theologian and feminist Bible scholar

by Kittredge Cherry | | Saints, Sept 15-30

Virginia Ramey Mollenkott was a trailblazing feminist Bible scholar and queer theologian whose 13 books liberated countless LGBTQ lives. She died peacefully in her home in New Jersey on Sept. 25, 2020, at age 88. Mollenkott shook the religious world with her...

Tyler Clementi: Gay teen driven to suicide by bullies

by Kittredge Cherry | | Saints, Sept 15-30

Tyler Clementi (1992-2010) brought international attention to bullying-related suicide of LGBTQ youth by jumping to his death on Sept. 22, 2010. Clementi’s highly publicized tragedy made him into a gay martyr whose untimely death put a public face on the problems of...

John McNeill: Pioneering gay priest who inspired LGBTQ people of faith

by Kittredge Cherry | | Saints, Sept 15-30

John McNeill was a pioneering gay priest, psychotherapist, author, theologian and Jesuit scholar who inspired countless LGBTQ people of faith and their allies. He died on Sept. 22, 2015 in a hospice in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with his partner of 49 years, Charles...

Henri Nouwen: Priest and author who struggled with his homosexuality

by Kittredge Cherry | | Saints, Sept 15-30

Henri J. M. Nouwen was a Catholic priest and bestselling author who wrestled with his own homosexuality in an intolerant church. He died on Sept. 21, 1996. Nouwen (1932-1996) remains one of the most popular and influential modern spiritual writers. He wrote more than...