2004 A Life of Unlearning – coming out of the church, one man’s struggle. Published by New Holland. This was only released in Australia, sadly, but it became a bestseller here and sold out. When I wrote the first edition in the early 2000s, I had a limited understanding of writing (I had never [...]
For 13 years, Ambassadors & Bridge Builders International (ABBI) has provided education, advocacy, and support to create understanding and acceptance for LGBTQIA+ people, particularly those from religious and faith backgrounds. It has always been important work—and at times, lifesaving. Today, it is more important than ever. Through 𝗥𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗯𝗼𝘄 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮’𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗿, 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗗𝗮𝘆, [...]
Preamble We often discuss LGBTQ+ intersectionality, but LGBTQ+ people of faith and those from faith backgrounds are frequently overlooked, despite their distinct needs. Many assume being religious and LGBTQ+ are incompatible. For some LGBTQ+ individuals, however, faith is an integral part of their identity, connected with family and/or culture. Others may have distanced themselves [...]
Raising a non-binary child: listening, loving, and learning I was very moved watching this episode of the Change Podcast with my friend Dr Shane Clifton, his trans daughter Jemma, and Celine Serrano-Diaz about raising her seven-year-old non-binary child, Judah. There is so much noise these days about transgender, gender diverse and non-binary children. [...]
Why Have a Wear It Purple Day? Because growing up is challenging enough. Young people are already trying to work out who they are, where they belong and how they fit into the world. LGBTQIA+ young people can carry an additional burden: being bullied or ridiculed by their peers, used as a political football [...]
When self-hatred is turned inward Finding freedom from self-hatred When self-hatred is projected outward Conclusion The most dangerous form of hatred isn't always directed at other people. Sometimes it's directed at ourselves. The trouble is that self-hatred never leaves us where it began. It always has consequences. It either turns inward and slowly destroys [...]
I remember this building Sydney has been here before. Misplaced religious zeal The last sermon I ever preached I remember this building I’ve been to the Divine Playhouse before. When I first walked through the doors of this building, in the 1960s, I was a teenager. It was the home of the Genesian Theatre. [...]
Who is Matthew Vines anyway? Why did Matthew's 2012 presentation have such an impact? What's in a name? How did we end up queer? My problem with Matthew Vines’ article Is 75 Old? Some days I feel 45. Other days, , I'm prepared to admit 75 has its moments. I wish you'd all been [...]
Monday night I was at a Catholic meeting to hear Kim Zember. It was a night of shocks. – three actually. The arrival Kim Zenber the storyteller A Pentecostal/evangelical message Brokenness But Kim, what about? Reflection and debrief over a chardy or two Here's your take aways Most sensible Sydneysiders stayed home last Monday [...]
Sometimes people tell me they don’t want to be labelled by their sexual orientation. Not me!!! For over two decades, I rejected my gay identity. In fact, I did everything to try to annihilate it. The last thing I would ever say is...... “I’m gay”. Taking ownership of that was a terrifying thought, and [...]