Queer Media and Religion

Hello! We are a group of college students from The College of New Jersey covering the interactions between queer media and religion!

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LGBTQ+ Hinduism Bibliography

“Stances of Faiths on LGBTQ Issues: Hinduism.” HRC, Human Rights Campaign, www.hrc.org/resources/stances-of-faiths-on-lgbt-issues-hinduism. 

“LGBT Themes in Hindu Mythology.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 16 Nov. 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_themes_in_Hindu_mythology. 

“LGBT Culture in India.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 8 Nov. 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_culture_in_India. 

“Hinduism and LGBT Topics.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 30 Nov. 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism_and_LGBT_topics. 

Palekar, Shalmalee. “The Nachya in Natrang : Queer(Ing) Bodies in Representations of Tamasha in Marathi Cinema.” Continuum: Journal of Media & Cultural Studies, vol. 26, no. 6, Dec. 2012, pp. 859–870. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1080/10304312.2012.731260. http://ezproxy.tcnj.edu:3327/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ufh&AN=83404417&site=ehost-live

KHUBCHANDANI, KAREEM. “Snakes on the Dance Floor.” Velvet Light Trap: A Critical Journal of Film & Television, no. 77, Spring 2016, pp. 69–85. EBSCOhost, doi:10.7560/VLT7705. http://ezproxy.tcnj.edu:2059/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=113232709&site=ehost-live

Émon, Ayeshah, and Christine Garlough. “Refiguring the South Asian American Tradition Bearer: Performing The ‘Third Gender’ in Yoni Ki Baat.” The Journal of American Folklore, vol. 128, no. 510, 2015, pp. 412–3437. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/10.5406/jamerfolk.128.510.0412. Accessed 3 Dec. 2020.

Gamson, Joshua, and Dawne Moon. "THE SOCIOLOGY OF SEXUALITIES: Queer and Beyond." Annual Review of Sociology, vol. 30, 2004, pp. 47-64. ProQuest, https://ezproxy.tcnj.edu:2089/scholarly-journals/sociology-sexualities-queer-beyond/docview/199586731/se-2?accountid=10216, doi:http://ezproxy.tcnj.edu:2072/10.1146/annurev.soc.30.012703.110522.

Ogles, Jacob. “19 LGBT Hindu Gods”, Advocate, Advocate: LGBTQ News, 6 September 2016, https://www.advocate.com/religion/2016/9/06/19-lgbt-hindu-gods

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Queer Hinduism Today

Where does this leave us today? With the re-decriminalizing of Gay marriage, this has been a major step forward for the queer community. While discrimination is better than it was, it has not done a 180. Due to there not being a central Hindu culture, the progress varies greatly between worshipers. Some accept the prospect of queerness, while others do not. What helps is that their religious texts are not seen as binding, but as a guide, allowing for greater flexibility and change within the religion and people’s beliefs surrounding it. Progress takes time, and Hinduism seems to be on the right track.

As for representation, that will take a bit longer. Many depictions of the LGBTQ+ are scarce, and at times, they are problematic. They lean from great, to blameful, to demonizing, and it is important to point that out. Many activists are pushing to improve these circumstances, and will continue to. 

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Queer Gods

Hindu Gods come in many different gender variants and sexualities. So, like Ardhanarishvara, come from the merging of the God Shiva and his wife Parvoti. They show the gender fluidity in humans, themselves being a half masculine, half feminine, androgenous divine being. Like Ardhanarishvara, Vishnu or Mohini represent gender fluidity in the culture, however instead of merging two spirits into one, he shifts from the masculine form of Vishnu to the feminine one of Mohini, and in some depictions, has even birthed a child, the God Ayyappa, while in this feminine form.

While these two are examples of gender fluidity or androgyny, some Gods did not swap between genders much. Such is the case of Shikhandi, a warrior who was AFAB and married to the princess of Dasharna, was born and raised male. He later fled into the forest where he met Yakasha and exchanged genders with him, in order to become and remain a cis man until the time of his death. The last God I wish to bring up was Bahuchara Mata. After her sister and her were physically assaulted by a marauder, she cursed him with impotence until he began to present as a woman. This has lead many to worship her as the patron of Hijras, trans and intersex people of Hindu faith, or the Third Gender.

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Historically Queer Hinduism

Hinduism has had an interesting relationship with queerness and their intersectionality. While today those following the faith tend to lean conservative, however the religion’s past may be a different story. The religion deals a lot with death and rebirth, past lives, and reincarnation. Attaining a new body and presenting outside of today’s “societal norms” was common in this atmosphere, so what changed?

Before colonization the Kamasutra depicting many of their Gods as homosexual or genderqueer. It was for the most part accepted within their religion and culture until colonialism came into the picture and began to depict these acts as impure or immoral. Often times them partaking in homosexual acts, or shifting their gender from one to another. In fact, while some argue that queerness was an aspect of Western or European culture, there are documented writings, legends, and works of art that prove this wrong by having existed before European intervention.

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Blog Entry #2: Patriarchy vs Progressive Values

The patriarchy is the primary reason homophobia is so strong in most predominantly Muslim countries. In a stereotypical traditionalist Muslim family, the father is the head of the household and makes every decision for the whole family. His sons are meant to follow completely in his footsteps, and his daughters are solely responsible for marrying into other families. Marriages are often arranged, and talking about one’s own problems or practicing self-care is usually seen as “shameful.” This is likely the main cause of homophobia in Muslim societies, since one or more members of the family coming out as gay, lesbian, or bisexual could likely disrupt this family order.

Although there is plenty of prejudice in Islamic societies due to their patriarchal structure, there have been plenty of challenges to this social structure in recent years. Islamic feminism is on the rise, promoting equality between men and women that many consider controversial. It still does not include LGBTQ+ people, which is its most major flaw, but this does not mean that there is no progressive attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community in Islamic culture. Some Muslim imams create safe spaces within their mosques for LGBTQ+ people, and preach acceptance and inclusivity, claiming that homosexuality is not sinful, but simply another form of love. This further proves that prejudice towards non-straight individuals is not a fundamental part of religion, but only an unjust culture that favors masculine straight men over everyone else.

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Blog Entry #1: Prejudice

Islam, like many religions, is diverse in nature when it comes to homosexuality. Some believe that homosexuality is not sinful and can still accept it even in their religion, while others are much more hostile towards it. It all depends on what they are taught and how they perceive it. Many authority figures and scholars, however, believe that homosexuality is a sin punishable by death. This is what leads to the intense persecution of LGBTQ+ Muslims in Middle Eastern countries. There are plenty of Muslims living in those countries who do support the LGBTQ+ community, as there are in many religious communities, but they usually tend to be overshadowed and shunned by authority figures due to the patriarchal ways of society.

This is not too different from the way many devout Christians think, however. In addition, the Bible and Qur’an were adapted and translated over the years to suit more modern audiences, so translators definitely took a few liberties when translating them.  These translators definitely changed a few words to suit their prejudices and favor the traditionalist and patriarchal ways of more modern Muslim societies. This is what leads to many religious people (or at least those who claim to be religious) using God (or Allah) to justify their prejudice towards people who are not straight men. It is important that we realize that it is not Islam itself that promotes oppression of women and LGBTQ+ people, but simply the way its societies are constructed.

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Online Resources (LGBTQ+ Inclusive Faiths)

https://bodydivineyoga.wordpress.com/2012/03/01/tantric-sluts-yogas-dirtiest-secret/

www.ecstaticliving.com/articles/what-is-a-tantric-goddess

https://www.rael.org/

https://www.churchofsatan.com/

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Annotated Bibliography for LGBTQ+ Inclusive Faiths & Their Relationship with Media

Swaraswati, L. Ayu. “Wikisexuality.” Introducing the New Sexuality Studies, by Nancy Fischer and Steven Seidman, Routledge, 2016, pp. 371–380. 

Introducing the New Sexuality Studies is a textbook covering a wide array of topics that generally involve sexuality, and is used in a Women Gender Sexuality Studies course at TCNJ that I currently take. This chapter in particular, “Wikisexuality”, focuses on two topics: wikisexuality itself, which is a constant changing and formation of sexuality as it transverses the physical and cyber world, and how Tantric Goddesses have been a part of this new formation of sexuality. It covers how Tantric Goddesses are deeply intertwined with this concept and how the internet has helped to shape themselves and others like them. This source was found directly from an educational textbook. The author must have extensively researched and formulated coherent thoughts on the matter. Not only that, but she has included at the end of the chapter a long list of her own credible sources that span about two pages in length. The study of wikisexuality and Tantric Goddesses is important in the way the internet and media in general is utilized in order to promote healthy relations with sexuality and with romantic/sexual partners, regardless of sex or gender.

Carter, Lokita. “What Is a Tantric Goddess?: Ecstatic Living.” Ecstatic Living® Institute - Discover Everyday Ecstasy And Tantric Love, www.ecstaticliving.com/articles/what-is-a-tantric-goddess.

Carter’s “What Is a Tantric Goddess?” is an article written on Tantric Goddesses and their beliefs. The author makes a point to remove the word “slut”, a derogatory word towards sexually active women, from the concept of being a goddess. She emphasizes the goddess’s messages of self-love and opportunities for expansion in life. This source was written by a Tantric Goddess. She offers her services and spiritual guidance on the very website in which she formulated this response to the common comment of being considered a “slut”. Further understanding the ways in which Tantric Goddesses function as religious leaders of sexual freedom can help in understanding the way they use media, such as blogs, to integrate healthy, nondiscriminatory sexuality into the lives of the willing.

Schwadel, Philip, and Aleksandra Sandstrom. “Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Americans Are Less Religious than Straight Adults by Traditional Measures.” Pew Research Center, Pew Research Center, 30 May 2020, www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/05/24/lesbian-gay-and-bisexual-americans-are-less-religious-than-straight-adults-by-traditional-measures/. 

This statistics-based article provides a variety of answers regarding questions people may have about the religious statuses of heterosexual and LGBTQ+ adults in America. Based on research, they were able to conclude that heterosexual individuals tended to be more religious, while lesbian, gay, and bisexual folk tended to be less religious and instead show more skeptical tendencies. The source is drawn from a statistics research site. Pew Research, a part of this site, focuses primarily on religious tendencies and beliefs of individuals with different backgrounds and experiences. These statistics are drawn from real life individuals. They are important to understand for this blog due to the nature of the relationship between LGBTQ+ adults and faith. A disconnect between religious communities and the LGBTQ+ community may result in negative media representation not only due to general prejudices, but also because of misunderstandings through lack of exposure.

Gilmore, Magus Peter H. “Founding Family: ‘Morality’ versus Same-Sex Marriage.” Church of Satan, 2 May 2018, www.churchofsatan.com/founding-family-morality. 

Gilmore’s article covers why the LGBTQ+ community are not only welcomed, but openly supported in the Church of Satan. He makes mention of how marriage is no longer something that Christianity can control in the modern day. He emphasizes how Christianity has fit society into a straight-jacket of beliefs, and that breaking these norms is the key to advancements in accepting all people. This article, similarly to the Tantric Goddess article, was written by a member of the group - Gilmore, in this case, being a High Priest in the Church of Satan. Gilmore’s article is especially important to understanding the topic of queer media in intersection with religion. Satanism is a non-traditional practice that exists to discredit and make apparent certain shortcomings of Christianity. This article sparked the interest of many internet-goers and certain quotes from this document found its way into social media. This promotion of religious practices being able to accept same-sex marriage and the LGBTQ+ community in general seemed to be a spark of hope for some queer folks, proving (in an odd way) that religion does not have to be exclusive.

Movement, International Raelian. “A Modern Nation Is a Nation Where Gays and Lesbians Are Free.” Raelian Press Site, www.raelpress.org/news.php?item.16.1. 

“A Modern Nation Is a Nation Where Gays and Lesbians Are Free” covers the Raelian beliefs of inclusion. They believe that laws preventing individuals from being themselves are “stupid” and that all people are equal. This faith was also one of the firsts that appointed gay and transgender individuals to positions of power within the faith. They also state that to be homophobic is to be as bad as racists. The website this article is derived from focuses solely on reporting news and the beliefs of Raelism, and is run by Raelists. Raelism is a religion that typically gains new followers via the usage of media, whether it be the news or blog sites. While Raelism has an unusual set of followings, their open support of the LGBTQ+ community and the rights of all people could be a help to either encourage people who have fallen away from traditional faiths to feel less fear in following a new one or to encourage other smaller religious groups (especially more recently formed ones) to follow a similar path of acceptance of all people.

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Islam Annotated Bibliography

Works Cited Cervantes-Altamirano, Erendira. “Islamic Feminism and the Challenges of Gender, Sexuality and LGBTQ Rights in Contemporary Islam.” International Journal of Religion & Spirituality in Society, vol. 2, no. 3, Mar. 2013, pp. 76–85. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=86933794&site=ehost-live.

This article describes how Islamic communities view homosexuality and feminism. Most do not accept homosexuality, and some even call for death penalties on people simply for not being straight. This article also describes the flaws in Islamic feminism, such as its failure to include LGBTQ+ Muslims in its activism movement. It offers perspectives from several Islamic scholars on how they view Western culture in relation to homosexuality and feminism.

I think this is useful because it contains actual quotes and perspectives from Islamic male scholars and shows how traditionalist many Muslim societies are in terms of how they view homosexuality. It also talks about ways to move forward and promote inclusivity and gender equality in Muslim societies. It discusses the problems with both traditionalism and feminism in said societies, but also talks about how to fix them.

Fish, M. Steven. “Islam and Authoritarianism.” World Politics, vol. 55, no. 1, 2002, pp. 4–37. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/25054208. Accessed 30 Nov. 2020.

This article talks about how Islamic societies are usually seen given the role of women in those societies. It mentions how many view those societies as democratic underachievers for this reason. It provides a direct link between the treatment of women in Islamic societies and the structure of political regimes.

Although this does not specifically mention LGBTQ+ people, it does help give readers an idea of how they are treated by explaining the social structure of most Muslim societies. Therefore, I think it is still a helpful source. It provides insight into the social structure of Muslim societies and helps give us an idea of what life is like for those living there.

Hendricks, Muhsin. “Diversity of Sexuality in Islam: Interview with Imam Muhsin Hendricks.” Cross Currents, vol. 61, no. 4, Dec. 2011, pp. 496–501. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1111/j.1939-3881.2011.00198.x.

This article is an interview with an imam who created a safe mosque and social space for LGBTQ+ Muslims called “The Inner Circle.” He says its purpose is to “elevate love and compassion for LGBTQ+ Muslims above hate.” In this interview, he talks about his work as an imam and how he is able to promote inclusivity in his community. He also mentions the backlash that other imams face from trying to promote inclusivity in their mosques and how he overcomes it.

This source is definitely reliable because it provides a firsthand account of intersectionality in Muslim culture. While other sources point to the flaws in Islamic culture, this one shows how Islam is progressing to include LGBTQ+ people, even despite all the flaws in many of its societies. This article also works well because it helps differentiate common Islamic culture from the teachings of the Qur’an itself.

Scull, Nicholas, and Khadeja Mousa. “A Phenomenological Study of Identifying as Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual in an Islamic Country.” Sexuality & Culture, vol. 21, no. 4, Dec. 2017, pp. 1215–1233. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1007/s12119-017-9447-5.

This article provides a firsthand account of what it is like to be lesbian, gay, or bisexual in Islamic communities in Kuwait. Their communities are socially conservative, meaning they are less likely to be accepted there. The article focuses on what life is like for them, and how families are structured in Kuwait. The article also provides a background on the diversity of Islamic societies, and the differences in how they view homosexuality.

I think this source is reliable because it presents firsthand experience on dealing with homophobia in an Islamic society and how lesbians, gays, and bisexuals cope with it. It offers us much more insight on how families in Islamic societies operate as well as how they treat those who are not heterosexual. However, it helps get rid of bias by presenting readers with diverse information and different perspectives from families.

Anderson, Joel, and Yasin Koc. “Exploring Patterns of Explicit and Implicit Anti-Gay Attitudes in Muslims and Atheists.” European Journal of Social Psychology, vol. 45, no. 6, Oct. 2015, pp. 687–701. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1002/ejsp.2126.

This article discusses the patterns of homophobia in Muslims and atheists, as the title suggests. It shows implicit anti-gay behaviors as well as explicit ones in Islamic and atheist societies. Many devout Islamic scholars believe that homosexuality is a sin and an act of violence against God, similar to how many devout Christians perceive it. The article argues that religious-oriented societies are more likely to take a hostile approach towards the LGBTQ+ community, and it definitely makes sense given the behavior of devoutly religious families today.

This source can be used in my blog because it goes into detail about how devoutly religious societies treat those in the LGBTQ+ community. It describes the specific behaviors that religious communities use to alienate them. It allows us to visualize how many religious people think of them, and why they think the way they think.

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Openly LGBTQ+ Affiriming Faiths

Many individuals who consider themselves as part of the LGBTQ+ community, especially in America, are considered “less religious” than their straight and cisgender counterparts (Shwadel & Sandstrom). However, this could be due, in part, to the negative affiliations religious groups have with handling LGBTQ+ issues, with many major occurrences (especially in the past) having regarded the community with hostility. Some religions, whether they did so to bring more followers to their places of worship or out of genuine support, went against this normalized tendency for religious groups to be somewhat discriminatory against non-heterosexual/cisgender folks. One of the most popularized instances of this was when in 2004 the Church of Satan came forward to become the “first church to fully accept members regardless of sexual orientation and so we champion weddings/civil unions between adult partners whether they be of opposite or the same sex,” (Gilmore). 

Satanism is a more well known religious practice; however, there are many more faiths that are openly supportive of LGBTQ+ folks. A faith becoming more well-known and studied known as Wicca is known for celebrating sexual practices without shame, and some say that Haitian Vodou (Voodoo) is also accepting as well. Some more recent religious formations that fall outside of the “norm” are accepting of all regardless of sexuality and gender, like the Raelian Movement. The Raelians utilize social sites and literature in order to spread their message, which is one of acceptance and knowledge. (RaelPress)

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Tantric Goddesses

Tantrism is a “spiritual practice found in Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist traditions,” and has been popularized by the women who claim spiritual leadership in its practice. These women are known as Tantric Goddesses and play a special role not only in their faith, but in the lives of those who desire acceptance and freedom in their sexuality. In the way of Tantric Goddesses, sexuality and sex in general is seen as, “a rich form of prayer” and a “gateway to heaven.” They accept all people to help them become free and spiritually awakened, many advertising that they “will welcome ‘men, women, transfolk, and couples (of whatever gender makeup) onto [her] table.” (Saraswati)

With the practices of Tantric Goddesses becoming more known through websites promoting their practice and social media, some of the meanings behind their practices have been lost. People have taken the term "Tantric Goddesses" and equated it to "slut", a term typically used to demonize the sexuality of women in particular (Carter). However, despite these negative stereotypes, many of these goddesses have already overcome the social stigma surrounding women’s sexuality and proudly offer their services to guide themselves and others towards freeing lives. Sexuality, to these women, is an important social process, and provides spaces for exploration some individuals may have never had. The use of the internet and social media has helped Tantric Goddesses to spread their message of healthy sexuality, encouraging love to blossom between all genders regardless of stereotypes and stigmas. (Sawaswati)

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Judaism Annotated Bibliography

Human Rights Campaign. (n.d.) Stances of Faiths on LGBTQ Issues: Conservative Judaism. Retrieved from: https://www.hrc.org/resources/stances-of-faiths-on-lgbt-issues-conservative-judaism

In this article, the Human Rights Campaign discusses how LGBTQ people are fighting for their rights in society and how the Jewish faith works to support them. It also talks about the faith’s views on sexual orientation and gender identity, marriage equality, non-discrimination and ordination. The information in this website is used to argue how those in the LGBTQ population are accepted into the Jewish faith. In this case, in the conservative branch. 

Reform Jewish Views on LGBTQ Equality. (n.d). Retrieved from: https://reformjudaism.org/reform-jewish-views-lgbtq-equality

This article discusses Judaism and how people within the faith support the equality for people in the LGBTQ community. They first talk about how Reform Judaism has a strong commitment to social justice, based on their beliefs, that helps fight for equality. It then compares the values of Reform Judaism and the LGBTQ community and how they can be seen as being the same. I used this website to argue that equality for the LGBTQ can be seen by Reform Judaism and how they actually really support them. 

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Conservative Judaism and the LGBTQ Community

In my research, I was surprised to see how supportive the Conservative Jewish community is of LGTBQ people. Normally when you see the word conservative, you begin to think that they may not be as supportive of things that may be outside of what they typically believe in. But, I read about how supportive they are of the LGBTQ community. In fact, in 2016, the Rabbinical Assembly affirmed the rights of those within the LGBTQ community, stating that they have a commitment to welcoming, including and accepting people of all gender identities and sexual orientations into the Jewish faith. (Human Rights Campaign, n.d.). 

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Judaism and the LGBTQ Community

I have a couple of friends who are also Jewish and we all met at a Jewish camp over the summer. We all talked and hung out at events together. We all agreed that the LGTBQ community is very unqiue and special in their own way. We felt that our faith did not influence or change the way we view the LGBTQ community: they should not be judged. We should accept them for who they are no matter our religions.

In my research, I found that many Jewish organizations also agree with me. In fact, reformjudaism.org quotes:

"God created humans in God's image, in the image of God, God created them; male and female God created them."

They are saying that, in their religion, they believe that because God created those in the LGTBQ community, we should not discriminate against them. People of the Jewish faith believe to love thy neighbor as yourself. They use this verse to resolve the conflict between doing what is told in the Bible/Torah and doing what they know is the morally right thing to do.

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Catholicism: Annotated Bibliography

Austin, Henry. “Pope Calls for Civil Unions for Same-Sex Couples, in Major Departure from Vatican Doctrine.” NBCNews.com, NBCUniversal News Group, 22 Oct. 2020, www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/pope-calls-civil-unions-same-sex-couples-major-departure-vatican-n1244137

The article summarizes main ideas that Pope Francis brought up in a recently released documentary, “Francesco.” In the documentary, the Pope brings up the idea of creating civil unions supporting the LGBTQ+ community, as well as discussing his beliefs on such topics. Compared to past Popes and common Catholic beliefs, Pope Francis sheds light on accepting homosexuals, as they are children of God as well, giving hope that the church has potential to come around.

In regards to the blog, the source proves to be resourceful, as it contains ideas and thoughts from the Pope himself, and how he publicly voices these opinions. Both the Pope himself and the documentary hold potential to shift gears of Catholicism. It was a real media example, as the article spreads Pope Francis’s new ideals, as well as word about the documentary, which holds so much more insight on the topic itself. 

Gehring, John. “The Case for Why Catholics Should March in LGBT Pride Parades.”The Washington Post, WP Company, 7 June 2019, www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2019/06/06/case-why-catholics-should-march-lgbt-pride-parades/. 

This source discusses religious involvement in PRIDE celebrations, specifically, the Pride Parade. This article primarily discusses a controversial tweet posted by Bishop Thomas Tobin that sparked a social media debate on whether Catholics should attend events, such as Pride, given the church’s opposition to same-sex marriage and homosexuality. The article gives others views on said controversial tweet, as well as gives both sides of the “argument” of whether Catholics should or should not embrace the LGBTQ+ community. 

For the sake of this blog, I believe this source can prove to be quite resourceful, as it contains a real tweet from the media that provoked strong emotions from many. The authors point of view on the topic also shows what one who may be in support of the LGBTQ+ community would feel. On top of that, the article allows me to click on the tweet and explore it further, as I was able to look at comments from people around the world to further deepen my understanding on how others were affected by such a controversial message. 

Holy Bible, New International Version. Zondervan Publishing House, 1984.

The Holy Bible is a collection of religious texts, passages, and scriptures that are considered sacred to Catholics and Christians around the world. It tells fables of Jesus’s time on Earth, as well as his teachings, and the stories held within it can and have shaped the ideas of Catholics globally. 

The Holy Bible can be used in support of my blog due to the many passages that are included in it. Some passages can be interpreted as hinting at he idea of homosexuality, and as the book that shaped Catholicism, it shapes their brief system as well. There are some passages, especially in the book of Leviticus, that many interpret as saying homosexuality is a sin and cannot be accpeted. Others may interpret these passages , and many others, in different ways. Either way, whether the passages are seen positively or negatively, the Bible is a piece of media (being it is the most read book in the world) that holds a large influence in Catholicism, which can further enhance the ideas within my blog.

“Missing Voices: A Study of Religious Voices in Mainstream Media Reports about LGBT Equality.” GLAAD, 12 Jan. 2017, www.glaad.org/publications/ missingvoices.

GLAAD conducted a three-year study in which analyzed the intersection of religion and issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community in regards to media outlets. The study analyzes messages presented in national news outlets by religious voices about issues affecting the LGBT community. The research, which consisted of the study of 316 news stories about LGBT issues, usingover 1,000 different religious sources on national television and print news media, shows a disproportionate reliance on anti-LGBT religious voices commenting on LGBT people and issues. This study was a very scholarly source, as well as showed media representation and religion amongst various religions, showing common ideas and stereotypes in each religion. Te findings were suprising, and CAtholicsim and Christianity were amongst the most dominantly “anti-gay,” while at the same time, there were also some of the most “pro-gay” religions represented. The data in this survey proves very useful in supporting both the positive and negative media representation of the LGBTQ+ community in regards to Catholics and Christians. 

Wilcox, Melissa M. Coming out in Christianity: Religion, identity, and community. Indiana University Press, 2003.

Within the book, Melissa Wilcox discusses common misconceptions of the LGBTQ+ community and religion. For many Christians, "homosexuality" is seen as an issue, often being considered a matter of "us" versus "them," or even as a question of their behavior, not something intrinsic to their identity. Coming Out in Christianity examines this conflict from the point of view of a group LGBTQ+ Christians. The book is heavilly based on research, including more than 70 interviews, exploring life histories, beliefs, cultures, and community influences to learn what helped each individual to forge an identity as both gay and Christian. 

This book has many different aspects of what it is like to be both Catholic/Christian and be a homosexual, and, in my opinion, can help merge the two ideas, allowing those to accept themselves as individuals. One quote that Wilcox wrote that I think can sum up her ideas excellent is that her book “is not a book about homosexuality. This is not a book about religion or spirituality or churches. It is a book about people.” People are people, religion, sexuality, or anything else should not matter. You can be both religious and part of the LGBTQ+ community, and this book shows how sometimes, the church can be welcoming, thus showing more media in which being a homosexual is accepted in Catholicism/Christianity. 

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Catholicism Sources

Positive/Negative Viewpoints in Media https://www.hrc.org/news/bridging-the-gap-welcoming-lgbtq-people-into-the-church-this-easter https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/pope-calls-civil-unions-same-sex-couples-major-departure-vatican-n1244137 https://www.glaad.org/pope https://www.glaad.org/publications/missingvoices https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2019/06/06/case-why-catholics-should-march-lgbt-pride-parades/

Hozier Interview/Song (interesting celebrity’s opinions on LGBTQ+ and Religion) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIraY4-thok https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYSVMgRr6pw&feature=emb_title https://www.popsongprofessor.com/blog/2015/04/15/what-does-take-me-to-church-by-hozier-mean

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Catholicism: Positive Media Representation

On the other hand, there is also a large part of the Catholic/Christian community that has positive views and opinions towards the LGBTQ+ community. Pope Francis has even stated he was pro-homosexuality, as he stated recently on October 21, 2020, that “we have to create is a civil union law,” he added,“that way, they are legally covered. I stood up for that” (Austin). The Pope, the head of the Catholic church, advocates for civil union laws protecting the LGBTQ+ community. This has potential to create great strides for acceptance of the community. According to a survey from GLAAD, “76% of Catholics favor laws that would protect LGBT people against discrimination” (“Missing Voices”). Although many Catholics are rooted in the past, I believe that the faith is taking a turn towards acceptance of homeosexuality, and normalizing the LGBTQ+ community.

Speaking of the relationship between the LGBTQ+ community and Catholicism, Mellissa Wilcox wrote a book describing the “homosexuality” issue in the chutch, aswell as interviewed members of the LGBTQ+ community, and how they have managed to establish a relationship with God as well as establish themselves as part of the gay community (Wilcox).The very first sentence of her book even states “This is not a book about homosexuality. This is not a book about religion or spirituality or churches. It is a book about people” (Wilcox IX).  That is exactly how it is for someone who identifies as part of both communities (such as myself). I am a person, and I can be both bisexual as well as connected to my faith. I was taught God loves all, and that means he can love me, and I truly believe in that. 

This kind of voice of belonging to both is often missing in media perspectives, hence why many only see Catholicism as negative and unsupportive when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community. It is a shame that accepting Christian viewpoints lack representation in the media, making the LGBTQ+ community feel unwelcome in places of religion, but in time, this all may change. As Pope Francis also stated, “Homosexuals have a right to be part of the family,” and in time, I believe they will be.