Last Updated on March 16, 2026 by Kittredge Cherry
Check out the top 22 LGBTQ Christian books of 2025 — including theology, Bible, memoir, church life and history by diverse authors. The list was announced today by lesbian Christian author Kittredge Cherry, founder of Qspirit.net.
“Creativity was this year’s hottest trend, with a novel and a graphic novel as the top two bestsellers,” she said. “Authors on the list came from many Christian traditions, but Catholic books surged this year due to excitement over the new Pope and increased openness to LGBTQ people in the Catholic church.”
This year’s books range from user-friendly guides to serious academic studies and first-person accounts. LGBTQ Christian books continued the rather queer trend of overlapping traditional categories. “Blended genres erased the boundary between scripture, memoir and poetry in several books on the 2025 list,” Cherry noted.
LGBTQ Christian books can be hard to find. That’s where Q Spirit comes in. “The Q Spirit list is here to help,” Cherry affirmed.
Readers praise Q Spirit’s annual list of the best LGBTQ Christian books as “my go-to guide for comprehensive listings of queer religious publishing” with “information you can find nowhere else!”
Book prices continued to rise in 2025, along with the cost of almost everything else. This list eases the burden by excluding the most expensive titles. Books on this list cost less than $100 — usually A LOT less.
Click the titles or book cover images to find the book on Amazon. The book list is followed by a bonus list of more LGBTQ Christian books from 2025.
The 2025 list has something for everyone who cares about LGBTQ Christian lives. “These books are perfect for holiday giving — or for treating yourself,” Cherry concluded. “Happy reading!”
Added in February 2026
LATE ADDITION
BESTSELLER AT Q SPIRIT
“All My Eyes See: The Artistic Vocation of Father William Hart McNichols” by William Hart McNichols and Christopher Pramuk.
A renowned icon painter/priest reveals his personal story, including his long journey to accept his gay identity, in a new biography that unfolds as a series of interviews with a theologian. The book focuses on William Hart McNichols’ early life and AIDS ministry, before he was called “among the most famous creators of Christian iconic images in the world” by Time magazine. Like his teacher Robert Lentz, he sometimes creates icons with social-justice themes. He was rebuked by church leaders for making LGBTQ-affirming icons of martyrs and saints not approved by the church. McNichols generously shares his art work with Q Spirit and a book by its founder, “Art That Dares.” Ordained in 1979, he was a Jesuit from 1968-2002 and continues to serve as a priest in New Mexico. Co-author Christopher Pramuk is a theology professor at Regis University in Denver, Colorado. How did I miss this book in 2024?! Published by Orbis books.
2025 LGBTQ Christian Bestsellers
(Ranked by number of books ordered through Qspirit.net and related sites as of Nov. 29, 2025. Print and e-book orders are combined. When multiple books received the same number of orders, they are ranked by revenue as a tie-breaker because the dollars represent a greater commitment by readers. All books on the list must be a new release in English in 2025.)
#1 BESTSELLER AT Q SPIRIT
1.“The True Myth of Gay Jesus” by Rupert Evensong.
Ancient documents reveal a loving same-sex relationship between Jesus and his devoted follower Lazarus in this fictional account. The novella consists of six imaginary papyrus letters from Lazarus and Mary Magdalene, followed by made-up modern correspondence about their discovery and church reactions to the revelation of a gay Christ. Explosive religious secrets create suspense through speculative history similar to “The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown and “The Kairos” by Paul Hartman. A great addition to the ever-growing collection of gay Jesus books. Evensong describes himself as “an ordinary gay man” and “a poetical Christian” with a secular career. Published by Bookmundo.
#2 BESTSELLER AT Q SPIRIT
2. “Hey, Mary!” by Andrew Wheeler (author) and Rye Hickman (illustrator).
A gay Catholic teen’s first love is nurtured by wise and witty queer saints and historical figures in a cartoon-style graphic novel. He and the young man of his dreams view a famous painting of Saint Sebastian during a school museum tour — and later Sebastian steps out of the frame to point out: “He LIKES you. You KNOW that, right? And you’re realizing that you like him too.”
Genderqueer Joan of Arc arrives, dropping French phrases between words of wisdom. Saintly couple Serg and Bac (better known as Sergius and Bacchus) affirm that “there have ALWAYS been queer people” as they read “Leaves of Grass” and sip a cup of “Venti Vidi Vici.” At least a dozen queer saints show up to help the teen unite his faith and sexuality. Later they are profiled in a helpful “Lives of the Queer Saints” section at the end of the book. The love-struck teen also encounters LGBTQ-positive Biblical characters — thanks to a Latinx drag artist with liberating insights into the Bible. It’s all part of the fun in the ornately illustrated book. Raised Catholic, Wheeler is a Toronto–based author from England whose credits include the queer anthology “Shout Out” and the feminist fantasy comic “Another Castle.” Rye Hickman is a Denver-based visual storyteller who grew up evangelical and graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design’s sequential art program. Published by Oni Press and distributed by Simon and Schuster.
#3 BESTSELLER AT Q SPIRIT
3. “A Queer Lectionary: (Im)proper Readings from the Margins – Year A” by Peter Carlson (editor).
A full year of queer commentaries for every Sunday and feast day are provided by an interdenominational group of 15 preachers and scholars in this massive, ambitious book. Although promoted as a “preaching resource,” it can inspire all progressive Christians — whether in the pulpit or the pew — because it goes beyond analyzing the weekly Bible readings to present a full sermon for each occasion, often in a clever and engaging style. It covers Year A in the liturgical calendar of the Revised Common Lectionary. (The Year B volume is scheduled for publication in July 2026 and is already available for pre-order.) The oversized book has 416 pages and weighs more than 1.5 pounds. A follow-up volume is in the works for Year B of the three-year lectionary cycle. Carlson is a committed Episcopalian who teaches courses in gender and queer theology as associate professor of religion at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks. Published by Seabury Books, an imprint of Church Publishing, an official publisher of the Episcopal Church.
BESTSELLER AT Q SPIRIT
4. “The Disappearance of Eve and the Gender of Christ: Why Traditional Soteriology Requires a Trans* Savior” by Kevin Carnahan.
A genderbending Christ is required by the traditional concept of salvation because Jesus must become both the New Adam and the New Eve to redeem all people, according to a new queer theology book. The author is professor of philosophy and religion at Central Methodist University in Fayette, Missouri. Published by Fortress Press, the official publisher of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA),
BESTSELLER AT Q SPIRIT
5. “Trans Biblical: New Approaches to Interpretation and Embodiment in Scripture” by Joseph A. Marchal, Melissa Harl Sellew and Katy E. Valentine (editors).
Gender variance from Genesis through the gospels and beyond is explored by leading trans and gender-nonconforming Bible scholars in this timely, wide-ranging collection. Diverse contributors show bold new ways of understanding sacred texts while sensitively addressing ongoing debates about gender identity and embodiment. A review panel of experts discussed the book at the Society of Biblical Literature annual meeting in November 2025. Marchal is professor of religious studies and women’s and gender studies at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Sellew is professor emerita of classical and Near Eastern religions and cultures at the University of Minnesota. Valentine is a public scholar and owner of Soul Forge Coaching. Published by Westminster John Knox Press, official publisher for the Presbyterian Church.
BESTSELLER AT Q SPIRIT
6. “Queer Devotion: Spirituality Beyond the Binary in Myth, Story, and Practice” by Charlie Claire Burgess.
A liberating exploration of the queer divine in myth and history, this book offers ways for LGBTQ people to cultivate the divine within. A whole chapter is devoted to gender-nonconforming saint Joan of Arc. It also examines gay Greek gods, genderfluid Norse deities, queer Arthurian legends and more. Each chapter ends with suggestions for devotional exercises and questions for contemplation. The author is a queer and non-binary tarot reader, teacher, illustrator, podcaster and writer based in Portland, Oregon. Published by wellness press Hay House, a division of Penguin Random House.
BESTSELLER AT Q SPIRIT
7. “Choosing Love: What LGBTQ+ Christians Can Teach Us All About Relationships, Inclusion, and Justice” by Dawne Moon and Theresa W. Tobin.
Lessons from diverse LGBTQ Christians and allies are presented in a book based on more than 100 interviews. The book was discussed in the context of intensifying culture wars at the American Academy of Religion annual meeting in November 2025. The co-authors both teach at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Moone is a social science professor and co-director of gender and sexualities studies while Tobin is associate professor of philosophy. Published by Oxford University Press.
BESTSELLER AT Q SPIRIT
8. “Legends from Lindisfarne: Diverse and Inclusive Saints” by Elizabeth Hopkinson (author) and Anna Hopkinson (illustrator).
Two queer saints –“Marinos: The Trans Monk” and “Our Lady of Montevergine: Affirmer of Same Sex Partners” — are prominently featured in this illustrated set of legends about little-known saints. Most come from the Celtic tradition, and the crisp black-and-white illustrations have a Celtic vibe. Based in the United Kingdom, Elizabeth and Anna Hopkinson are a mother-daughter team that also joined forces on the “Asexual Fairy Tales” series. Published by SilverWood Books.
BESTSELLER AT Q SPIRIT
9. “Queer & Christian: Reclaiming the Bible, Our Faith, and Our Place at the Table” by Brandan Robertson.
Celebrate queer faith and reclaim the Bible with this multi-faceted book. Beginning with the author’s own life story, it goes on to counteract anti-queer interpretations of the “clobber passages” and explore the “queer saints of scripture.” Saints covered include David and Jonathan, Ruth and Naomi, Joseph and his “magic dress,” Jesus and the Beloved Disciple and the Ethiopian eunuch. The final section answers questions commonly asked questions by queer Christians. Known as the “TikTok Pastor” for his social media reach, the author is an ordained United Church of Christ minister who pastors Sunnyside Reformed Church in New York City. He founded DevOUT, a non-profit organization that challenges far-right religious narratives. Published by St. Martin’s Essentials.
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BESTSELLER AT Q SPIRIT
10. “You Can, If You Want To: Navigating Christian Faith, Conscience, and Matters LGBTQ+” by James Alison.
A gay Catholic priest/theologian provides a broad vision of Christianity where loving Jesus means loving your “queer neighbor as yourselves. Or your queer self as your neighbor.” Based in Spain, the author is a widely respected traveling preacher and lecturer in the United States, Latin America and his native England. Published by Bloomsbury Continuum.
Bible books
“The Bible and Homosexuality: Expanding Our Image of God; The Outreach Guide” by Michael J. O’Loughlin (editor). Foreword by James Martin.
Bible scholars challenge the idea that scripture is hostile to LGBTQ people in this collection of 16 essays. They debunk the “clobber passages,” address gender controversies and find “texts of welcome.” Foreword by James Martin, Jesuit priest, editor-at-large of America magazine, and founder of Outreach, an LGBTQ Catholic ministry. The author is executive director of Outreach. Published by Paulist Press, the largest Catholic publisher in the world.
Theology books
BESTSELLER AT Q SPIRIT
“The Dare Primer on Global Queer Theologies” by Lisa Isherwood and Hugo Córdova Quero (editors).
Top queer Christian theologians from around the world challenge and redefine Christian beliefs and church practices in this ground-breaking scholarly collection. It features leading scholars from Malaysia, Rwanda, India, Colombia, Nigeria, Mexico, El Salvador, the United Kingdom and the United States. Sections address Biblical interpretation, church life, activism, Christ, Mary, salvation, and prophetic witness. Isherwood is theology professor at University of Wales Trinity St David. Quero is associate professor of theology at Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkeley, California, and faculty dean at Instituto Superior de Estudios Interreligiosos y Sociales (ISDEIS) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Published by SCM Press. These two authors also wrote “Global Queer Theologies: Intercontextual and Interreligious Perspectives,” scheduled for release Dec. 3 by Wiley-Blackwell Publishing.
“Mapping New Terrain in Queer Religious Scholarship: Essays in Honor of John Eastburn Boswell” by Bernard S. Schlager (editor).
Queer understandings of theology and scripture are explored by noted academics, religious leaders, and activists in a collection that builds on the legacy of gay Christian history pioneer John Boswell. It features 11 standout essays delivered since 2003 at the annual Boswell Lecture Series hosted by the Center for LGBTQ and Gender Studies in Religion (CLGS) at Pacific School of Religion (PSR) in Berkeley, California. Schlager is associate professor of history at PSR and executive director of CLGS. Published by Routledge.
“Public Theology and Violent Rhetoric Examined in a Queer Womanist Critical Ethnography” by Teresa L. Smallwood.
Harm inflicted on LGBTQ people by churches is examined and solutions are suggested in this queer theology book from a scholarly black female lesbian perspective. A proposed framework for wholeness includes self-assessment and ritual from Yoruba and other indigenous spiritual practices. The author is associate professor of public theology at United Lutheran Seminary in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Published by T&T Clark.
Memoir / biography
“A Prince of a Boy: How One Gay Catholic Helped Change the World” by Brian McNaught.
A gay Catholic who was named “the godfather of gay diversity training” by the New York Times tells his life story in his beautifully written memoir. He reveals his struggles and triumphs as an openly gay man in the Catholic church and the corporate world. The author is an internationally acclaimed corporate diversity trainer who spent 40 years in the LGBTQ rights movement and wrote 13 books on LGBTQ issues. Published by Cascade Books, an imprint of Wipf and Stock.
“Body Problems: What Intersex Priest Sally Gross Teaches Us About Embodiment, Justice, and Belonging” by M. Wolff.
An intersex priest/activist’s life is explored in a new biography with rigorous research and accessible writing. Sally Gross was an intersex South African anti-apartheid activist who became a Catholic priest — but was stripped of clergy status after revealing that she identified as female in the 1990s. She went on to win legal recognition of intersex status for the first time in the world. The book delves into the complexities of her life, including her Jewish heritage and Buddhist practices. Born in South Africa, the author is associate professor of religion at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. Published by Duke University Press.
Church, society, ministry and Christian living books
“Provoking Religion: Sex, Art, and the Culture Wars” by Anthony Petro.
Reactions to queer religious art are analyzed in a book with case studies of “subversive” artists such as David Wojnarowicz, Judy Chicago, Robert Mapplethorpe and Marlon Riggs. The author discussed the book with a panel of LGBTQ and feminist visual culture historians at the American Academy of Religion annual meeting in November 2025. He is associate professor of religion and women’s, gender and sexuality studies at Boston University in Massachusetts. Published by Oxford University Press.
Bible-based poetic memoir
“Gay Girl Prayers” by Emily Austin.
Bible passages are reclaimed with queer joy to empower LGBTQ people, women and girls in this inventive poetry collection. Sassy without being irreverent, the book is dedicated to “anyone taught they were going to hell.” Nearly all the poems are titled with chapter-and-verse scripture references, while a few are based on Christian traditions such as Christmas carols and prayers. For example, “Hey Mamma” offers a queer take on “Hail Mary.” Poems use the phrase “strange women” to refer to lesbians, transgender women and other queer women, as in the powerful line, ““Shall we resurrect, strange women?” The book was shortlisted for the 2025 Archibald Lampman Award for Poetry. How did I miss this book in 2024?! The author is a Canadian writer who was raised Catholic and received two writing grants from the Canadian Council for the Arts. Published by Brick Books.
“Reading Secrets: A Queer Inheritance of Life and Scripture” by Malcolm Himschoot.
A transgender minister reflects on the fundamentalist faith of his closeted gay father who died of AIDS in this theopoetic memoir. After inheriting his father’s Bibles, the author decides to re-read them, examining his dad’s notes in the margins. He reflects on scripture through a queer, trans lens to resist authoritarianism in family, faith, and culture and find life-giving themes for marginalized communities. The author is a United Church of Christ minister who was featured in the 2005 documentary “Call Me Malcolm,” which was co-produced by UCC and won queer film festival audience awards. Published by Flare Books, an imprint of Catalyst Press.
“Glitter Psalms: A Young Man’s Coming of Age and Intersections of Faith and Queerness” by Leo Jones-Morton.
A queer pastor’s experiences of growing up, integrating faith and sexuality, and finding God in community are expressed poetically in his contemporary “glitter psalms.” Spanning emotions from heartbreak to joyous blossoming, the personal psalms have titles such as “God, Protect Me from Their Prayers” and “The Young Man with the Rainbow Heart.” The author is pastor of Unifour Church, an independent welcoming community in Newton, North Carolina, husband to Alex Jones-Morton, and a successful drag performer. Independently published.
Fiction
“Abomination: The Story of David and Jonathan” by Jeza Belle.
Scripture hints at forbidden love between David the giant-slayer and Jonathan the prince, but their gay love story is fully revealed in the historical novel “Abomination.” The sensual reimagining brings alive two Biblical bisexual heroes bound by desire, faith, and fate — yet ultimately pulled apart. One rises recklessly toward power, while the other is trapped by his fading father’s sins. (Content advisory: includes violence, sex, misogyny, and cultural bias in historical context.) The author is a New York City writer, comedian, producer and speaker. Her book “Jeza’s Jesus Juice: A Drag Queen’s Christian Devotional” appeared on Q Spirit’s list of the top LGBTQ Christian books of 2024. Published by Resource Publications, an imprint of Wipf and Stock.
“How to Win a Million Dollars and BEEP Glitter!: A Mostly True Misadventure” by Luke Stoffel.
A gay Catholic boyhood leads to get-rich-quick schemes, glitter-filled chaos, world travel and maybe even enlightenment in this novel inspired by real life with humor and heart. The author is an entrepreneur who was recognized as one of New York City’s top LGBTQ artists by GLAAD. Published by Cinderly.
BESTSELLER AT Q SPIRIT
LATE ADDITION
“Queerness in the Early Modern Russian Orthodox Church” by Nick Mayhew.
Queer history in the Russian Orthodox church is revealed in a book that was a surprise bestseller at Q Spirit in late December 2025 and early January 2026, so it is presented here as a late addition. Author Nick Mayhew analyzes primary sources like a Russian Orthodox version of scholar John Boswell, uncovering hidden truths about how the church blessed same-sex unions, honored transgender saints and tolerated homosexuality in Russia from 1500-1800. Q Spirit readers snapped up this scholarly book despite a price over $100 and almost no publicity. LGBTQ saints discussed in the book include Xenia of St. Petersburg and the paired monks Zosimas of Solovki and Savvattii. The author is a University of Glasgow Russian lecturer. Published by Palgrave Macmillan.
Coming soon and available for pre-order
Feb. 16, 2026
“The Story of Bob: The Life and Times of Rev. Robert W. Wood” by Steven C. Law. Published by United Church Press. Robert Wood is the gay United Church of Christ clergy who wrote the affirming book “Christ and The Homosexual” in 1960.
April 14, 2026
“Queer Joy: A Mosaic of Self-Love, Community, and Resistance” by Bethany Meier-Evans. Published by Tehom Center.
May 5, 2026
“Conversion Therapy Dropout: A Queer Story of Faith and Belonging” by Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez. Published by Broadleaf Books.
May 12, 2026
“Born Again Queer: A History of Evangelical Gay Activism and the Making of Antigay Christianity” by William Stell. Published by Princeton University Press.
Bonus: More LGBTQ Christian books released in 2025
“And God Said… Let There Be Dykes: Queer, Bold & Biblical” by Essie Linzy reclaims spirituality and explores queer identity through a Black, butch lens. Independently published.
“The Outcast Hymnal” by Gary Rader contains 114 new hymns supporting LGBTQ communities and other marginalized groups. Independently published.
“Theology and the LGBTQ+ Community” by Luís Corrêa Lima SJ (Paulist Press)
“Beloved and Bold: Prayers for Queer Faith, Justice, and Joy” by William R. Cavins. Independently published.
“Between Cross and Rainbow: A Gay Christian Book of Faith and Identity” by Anonymous. Independently published.
“Holy Dialogues Devotional for Lent, 2025: Written by LGBT Christians and Their Friends” by Marian Edmonds -Allen (editor). Published by Parity.
“Holy Dialogues Reflections for Pride: Written by LGBT Christians and Their Friends” by Marian Edmonds-Allen (editor). Published by Parity.
“Gender Expansive Faith: How Trans Lives are Illuminating the Divine, Transforming Feminism and Ending Christian Patriarchy” by Steff Fenton. Independently published.
“Maiden’s Manifesto: The Feminine Flame: Female Popes of Theology on the Holy Roman Chair” by Eureka Circe (editor). Independently published.
“Our Tribe Chanting: A Spiritual Journeybook for Gay Men, the Companion Volume to Two Flutes Playing and Two Hearts Dancing” by Andrew Ramer. Published by Resource Publications, an imprint of Wipf and Stock.
“The Place of the Queer Community (2SLGBTQIA+) in Catholic and Buddhist Spaces” by Mackenzie Benesh. Independently published.
“Queer Divinity: Queer Hellenist Theology” by Fabian MacKenzie. Independently published.
“Queer Communion: Religion in Appalachia” by Davis Shoulders (editor). Published by University Press of Kentucky.
“Queering the Psalms: A Reimagining of Our Ancient Songs Filled with Emotional Wisdom for the Modern Reader” by Sam Houser. Published by Tehom Center.
“Queerly Beloved: A Weekly Devotional” by M.E. Schultz. Independently published.
“A Question of Lust for the Divine: Queer Christology” by Eureka Circe (editor). Published in English and German by Books on Demand.
“The Rainbow Sheep” (children’s picture book) by David Hayward. Published by Beaming Books.
“Sacred Texts, Sacred Lives: Reinterpreting Same-Sex Relationships in the Bible (LGBTQ+)” by Bruce H. Joffe. Independently published.
“Sacred Transition: A Trans Catholic’s Poetic Journey” by Lee Evans. Independently published.
“The Sister’s Revenge” (queer Biblical retelling) by Ess McKinney. Independently published.
“The Story of Gay Jesus” by Elianna Montgomery. Independently published.
“Synods and Sexuality: Pope Francis says ‘Relax!’” by Stephen Charles Lovatt. Independently published.
“A Testament of Faith: A fictional narrative of a gay Episcopal priest and his husband” by Kyle Cooke (pen name Jerry L Collins). Independently published.
“TRANSitions: Queering Faith Leadership” by Joelle Henneman. Independently published.
“Why I Remain a Gay Catholic: A Spiritual-Sexual Journey” by Paul F. Morrissey. Published by Paulist Press.
LGBTQ Christian books from other years
2026 brings new LGBTQ Christian books
Top 24 LGBTQ Christian books of 2024 named
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
Books discuss Kittredge Cherry from many viewpoints
Basic LGBTQ Christian books: Where to start?
LGBTQ Religion and Spirituality: A Selective Bibliography, 2021-2025 from the American Library Association’s Rainbow Round Table (ala.org)
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This article was originally published on Q Spirit on Dec. 1, 2025, and most recently updated on March 5, 2026.
Copyright © Kittredge Cherry. All rights reserved.
Qspirit.net presents the Jesus in Love Blog on LGBTQ spirituality.
