LOS ANGELES, CA -- Oct. 31, 2010 -- A queer-friendly online memorial for All Saints and All Souls Days, also known as Day of the Dead, is happening now at the Jesus in Love Blog.
Visit jesusinlove.blogspot.com to submit names and light virtual candles. Everyone is invited to light a memorial candle for a loved one now through Nov. 2. Free listings are available, and individual candles can be lit for a donation.
“Religion and society have often dishonored and desecrated queer lives. We created a place for ALL saints and ALL souls to be restored to wholeness and holiness,” says Kittredge Cherry, the lesbian spiritual author who runs the online memorial.
The flickering virtual candles are posted with a tasteful mix of traditional and alternative readings and art.
“Normally we focus on gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer saints at the Jesus in Love Blog, but on All Saints, All Souls and Day of the Dead we warmly welcome all saints and all souls,” Cherry says. “People of all faiths or no faith are invited.”
Cherry founded JesusInLove.org in 2005 to support LGBT spirituality and the arts with a blog and e-newsletter. The website promotes artistic and religious freedom, with an emphasis on queer saints and gay Jesus images. Cherry was ordained by Metropolitan Community Churches and served as its national ecumenical officer. Her books include “Equal Rites: Lesbian and Gay Worship, Ceremonies and Celebrations” and “Art That Dares: Gay Jesus, Woman Christ, and More.”
The memorial begins on Oct. 31, when it is Halloween in the United States, but All Saints Day (Nov. 1) in other parts of the world. Readings come from gay clergy Chris Glaser, African American author Alice Walker, Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hanh, the Bible and many others.
In Catholic and Protestant Christianity, the Feast of All Saints commemorates all saints, known and unknown. The following day, the Feast of All Souls, pays respect to the faithful departed who have not yet reached heaven. Prayers are offered to ask the saints to help the living, and to offer help to the souls of deceased friends and family.
All Souls Day is celebrated in Latin America as the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos). The holiday is especially popular in Mexico, where the happy celebration is one of the biggest events of the year.
All Saints Day used to be called All Hallows Day, and the preceding evening was the Eve of All Hallows, now celebrated as Halloween. These holidays are associated with the Celtic Festival of the Dead (Samhain). They grow out of the pagan belief that the souls of the dead return to visit at this time of year.
# # #
Click here to visit the memorial
Showing posts with label lesbian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lesbian. Show all posts
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Friday, December 12, 2008
12 queer days of Xmas art online Dec. 14-25 (12/11/08)
AltXmasArt, a groundbreaking exhibit of alternative Christmas art, will be posted online in 12 daily installments Dec. 14-25 at the Jesus in Love Blog (www.jesusinlove.blogspot.com).
Nine artists combine Christmas imagery with a progressive vision of gay, lesbian, bi and trans (GLBT) rights, racial and gender justice, and a world without war, poverty or environmental destruction.
“We hope that people will visit AltXmasArt daily for progressive inspiration in the 12 days leading up to Christmas,” says lesbian art historian and minister Kittredge Cherry, curator of the show. “Many people feel left out of the traditional Christmas scenes, but AltXmasArt breaks the stereotypes and shows Christ for ALL of us -- gay and straight, male and female, black and white, rich and poor.”
The series offers a superb fusion of high-quality art, deep spirituality and socio-political commentary. Surprising variations on the traditional Nativity scene include black madonnas, lesbian madonnas, father-and-son scenes of Jesus and Joseph, and a multi-racial trio of female Magi. The AltXmasArt series starts Sunday, Dec. 14 and ends on Christmas Day.
“Christian rhetoric is used to justify hate and discrimination these days, but AltXmasArt frees people to think differently. We hope to stimulate dialogue and consciousness of love,” Cherry says. It’s important to imagine the Christmas story in new and different ways because it empowers people to grow in their relationship with each other and with God.”
The sometimes controversial art was created by a diverse group of nine artists, including openly gay or lesbian artists such as Keith Haring, Swedish photographer Elisabeth Ohlson Wallin and Becki Jayne Harrelson of Atlanta.
Artists who dare to picture Jesus’ mother as a lesbian have faced censorship and even death threats, but now their liberating images can be seen and celebrated. Explicitly queer Christian imagery in AltXmasArt includes “Annunciation” by Elisabeth Ohlson Wallin, in which a gay angel gives a lesbian couple a test tube for insemination, and “Madonna, Lover and Child” by Becki Jayne Harrelson, where lesbian parents cuddle the baby Jesus.
Each image in the series will be accompanied by Cherry’s seasonal reflections on its artistic, political and spiritual significance. Cherry is the author of “Art That Dares: Gay Jesus, Woman Christ, and More.” She holds degrees in journalism, art history, and religion. She served as national ecumenical officer for Metropolitan Community Churches.
Artists in AltXmasArt are: Joseph Giuliani, Keith Haring, Becki Jayne Harrelson David Hewson, Robert Lentz, Armando Lopez, Janet McKenzie, William Hart McNichols, and Elisabeth Ohlson Wallin.
The show includes artists working both inside and outside the church. Five of the artists are also featured in “Art That Dares,” which is filled with color images by 11 contemporary artists from the U.S. and Europe. The artists tell the stories behind their images, including censorship, and a lively introduction puts them into political and historical context, exploring issues of blasphemy and artistic freedom.
The Jesus in Love Blog promotes artistic and religious freedom by supporting spirituality and the arts for GLBT people and their allies.
For more info, visit the Jesus in Love Blog (www.jesusinlove.blogspot.com), JesusInLove.org, or contact info@JesusInLove.org.
The schedule for the AltXmasArt series is:
Sun, Dec 14: “Annunciation” by Elisabeth Ohlson Wallin
Mon, Dec 15: “La Anunciación (The Annuciation)” by Armando Lopez
Tue, Dec 16: “Mother of God: Mother of the Streets” by Brother Robert Lentz
Wed, Dec 17: “Black Madonna - Mitochondrial Eve” by David Hewson
Thu, Dec 18: “The Holy Family” by Janet McKenzie
Fri, Dec 19: “San José (Saint Joseph)” by Armando Lopez
Sat, Dec 20: “Joseph and the Christ Child” by Father John Giuliani
Sun, Dec 21: “Mary Most Holy Mother of All Nations” by Father William Hart McNichols
Mon, Dec 22: “Pacha Mama Healing the Earth” by David Hewson
Tue, Dec 23: “Epiphany” by Janet McKenzie
Wed, Dec 24: “Radiant Baby” by Keith Haring
Thu, Dec 25: “Madonna, Lover, and Son” by Becki Jayne Harrelson
Nine artists combine Christmas imagery with a progressive vision of gay, lesbian, bi and trans (GLBT) rights, racial and gender justice, and a world without war, poverty or environmental destruction.
“We hope that people will visit AltXmasArt daily for progressive inspiration in the 12 days leading up to Christmas,” says lesbian art historian and minister Kittredge Cherry, curator of the show. “Many people feel left out of the traditional Christmas scenes, but AltXmasArt breaks the stereotypes and shows Christ for ALL of us -- gay and straight, male and female, black and white, rich and poor.”
The series offers a superb fusion of high-quality art, deep spirituality and socio-political commentary. Surprising variations on the traditional Nativity scene include black madonnas, lesbian madonnas, father-and-son scenes of Jesus and Joseph, and a multi-racial trio of female Magi. The AltXmasArt series starts Sunday, Dec. 14 and ends on Christmas Day.
“Christian rhetoric is used to justify hate and discrimination these days, but AltXmasArt frees people to think differently. We hope to stimulate dialogue and consciousness of love,” Cherry says. It’s important to imagine the Christmas story in new and different ways because it empowers people to grow in their relationship with each other and with God.”
The sometimes controversial art was created by a diverse group of nine artists, including openly gay or lesbian artists such as Keith Haring, Swedish photographer Elisabeth Ohlson Wallin and Becki Jayne Harrelson of Atlanta.
Artists who dare to picture Jesus’ mother as a lesbian have faced censorship and even death threats, but now their liberating images can be seen and celebrated. Explicitly queer Christian imagery in AltXmasArt includes “Annunciation” by Elisabeth Ohlson Wallin, in which a gay angel gives a lesbian couple a test tube for insemination, and “Madonna, Lover and Child” by Becki Jayne Harrelson, where lesbian parents cuddle the baby Jesus.
Each image in the series will be accompanied by Cherry’s seasonal reflections on its artistic, political and spiritual significance. Cherry is the author of “Art That Dares: Gay Jesus, Woman Christ, and More.” She holds degrees in journalism, art history, and religion. She served as national ecumenical officer for Metropolitan Community Churches.
Artists in AltXmasArt are: Joseph Giuliani, Keith Haring, Becki Jayne Harrelson David Hewson, Robert Lentz, Armando Lopez, Janet McKenzie, William Hart McNichols, and Elisabeth Ohlson Wallin.
The show includes artists working both inside and outside the church. Five of the artists are also featured in “Art That Dares,” which is filled with color images by 11 contemporary artists from the U.S. and Europe. The artists tell the stories behind their images, including censorship, and a lively introduction puts them into political and historical context, exploring issues of blasphemy and artistic freedom.
The Jesus in Love Blog promotes artistic and religious freedom by supporting spirituality and the arts for GLBT people and their allies.
For more info, visit the Jesus in Love Blog (www.jesusinlove.blogspot.com), JesusInLove.org, or contact info@JesusInLove.org.
The schedule for the AltXmasArt series is:
Sun, Dec 14: “Annunciation” by Elisabeth Ohlson Wallin
Mon, Dec 15: “La Anunciación (The Annuciation)” by Armando Lopez
Tue, Dec 16: “Mother of God: Mother of the Streets” by Brother Robert Lentz
Wed, Dec 17: “Black Madonna - Mitochondrial Eve” by David Hewson
Thu, Dec 18: “The Holy Family” by Janet McKenzie
Fri, Dec 19: “San José (Saint Joseph)” by Armando Lopez
Sat, Dec 20: “Joseph and the Christ Child” by Father John Giuliani
Sun, Dec 21: “Mary Most Holy Mother of All Nations” by Father William Hart McNichols
Mon, Dec 22: “Pacha Mama Healing the Earth” by David Hewson
Tue, Dec 23: “Epiphany” by Janet McKenzie
Wed, Dec 24: “Radiant Baby” by Keith Haring
Thu, Dec 25: “Madonna, Lover, and Son” by Becki Jayne Harrelson
Friday, December 5, 2008
Jesus in Love Newsletter marks 1st year (12/5/08)
LOS ANGELES, CA -- Dec. 5, 2008 -- This month the Jesus in Love Newsletter celebrates its first anniversary as an e-newsletter on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender spirituality and the arts.
Free subscriptions are available by signing up here or at JesusInLove.org. The bimonthly e-newsletter has presented a positive vision of GLBT spirituality and tracked censorship of queer religious art since December 2007. Back issues can be viewed online at the Newsletter Archive.
The Jesus in Love Newsletter is edited by Kittredge Cherry, lesbian Christian author, minister, and art historian. “I founded the newsletter to keep GLBT people and our allies informed about exciting new developments in spirituality and the arts,” she says. “I hope to stimulate dialogue and consciousness of love by displaying and discussing the often-controversial art that affirms GLBT people and our connection to God.”
Readership has grown steadily in the first year, with lots of people saying that they value the newsletter.
"Very nice, sophisticated, uncluttered newsletter -- with some interesting info as well," writes journalist Eileen Lockwood.
"What a gift you are giving to us!!" says Rev. Jane Spahr from That All May Freely Serve.
Free subscriptions are available by signing up here or at JesusInLove.org. The bimonthly e-newsletter has presented a positive vision of GLBT spirituality and tracked censorship of queer religious art since December 2007. Back issues can be viewed online at the Newsletter Archive.
The Jesus in Love Newsletter is edited by Kittredge Cherry, lesbian Christian author, minister, and art historian. “I founded the newsletter to keep GLBT people and our allies informed about exciting new developments in spirituality and the arts,” she says. “I hope to stimulate dialogue and consciousness of love by displaying and discussing the often-controversial art that affirms GLBT people and our connection to God.”
Readership has grown steadily in the first year, with lots of people saying that they value the newsletter.
"Very nice, sophisticated, uncluttered newsletter -- with some interesting info as well," writes journalist Eileen Lockwood.
"What a gift you are giving to us!!" says Rev. Jane Spahr from That All May Freely Serve.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Poland’s First Coming-Out Book Planned (10/9/07)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Poland’s First Coming-Out Book Planned
LOS ANGELES, CA -- Oct. 9, 2007 -- A Polish press has contracted to publish Poland’s first coming-out guide for lesbians and gay men.
“Hide and Speak: A Coming Out Guide” by lesbian author Kittredge Cherry is being translated into Polish for publication by Helion Press, a major commercial publisher in Poland. The contract was signed shortly before U.S. National Coming Out Day, Oct. 11.
“The ideas in my book are so new in Poland that the expression ‘coming out’ doesn't even have its equivalent in Polish yet,” Cherry said. “I’m delighted to introduce Polish gays and lesbians to the power of coming out.”
Helion Press told Cherry that there are only a few books in Polish about homosexuality, and all of them treat it as a disease or a problem.
“Hide and Speak” offers a powerful program of self-acceptance and appropriate disclosure.
for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) people -- and anyone else with a story to tell. Each chapter includes real-life examples and tested, highly effective exercises used in coming-out workshops nationwide.
“Sometimes telling the truth is difficult, but living a lie is even harder,” Cherry said. “It’s obvious from the news that coming out of the closet is still difficult even in America. Gay sex scandals have become way too common -- especially among conservative leaders who oppose gay rights such as Senator Larry Craig and Congressman Mike Foley.”
“Hide and Speak” tells positive ways to come out to yourself, create a circle of supporters and deal with family, job and school. Readers will learn how to live proud, free and balanced, no matter what happens.
The book is not just about homosexuality. The life-changing handbook is useful for all people who struggle with secrets and their consequences.
Originally published in 1991, “Hide and Speak” was recently updated and released by AndroGyne Press, a new queer studies press based in Berkeley, CA.
For more info, please visit JesusInLove.org or email kitt@JesusInLove.org.
###
Click here for more info on the Polish translation, titled “Coming out: Co ukrywać, a o czym mówić”
ISBN: 978-83-246-1430-1
Poland’s First Coming-Out Book Planned
LOS ANGELES, CA -- Oct. 9, 2007 -- A Polish press has contracted to publish Poland’s first coming-out guide for lesbians and gay men.
“Hide and Speak: A Coming Out Guide” by lesbian author Kittredge Cherry is being translated into Polish for publication by Helion Press, a major commercial publisher in Poland. The contract was signed shortly before U.S. National Coming Out Day, Oct. 11.
“The ideas in my book are so new in Poland that the expression ‘coming out’ doesn't even have its equivalent in Polish yet,” Cherry said. “I’m delighted to introduce Polish gays and lesbians to the power of coming out.”
Helion Press told Cherry that there are only a few books in Polish about homosexuality, and all of them treat it as a disease or a problem.
“Hide and Speak” offers a powerful program of self-acceptance and appropriate disclosure.
for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) people -- and anyone else with a story to tell. Each chapter includes real-life examples and tested, highly effective exercises used in coming-out workshops nationwide.
“Sometimes telling the truth is difficult, but living a lie is even harder,” Cherry said. “It’s obvious from the news that coming out of the closet is still difficult even in America. Gay sex scandals have become way too common -- especially among conservative leaders who oppose gay rights such as Senator Larry Craig and Congressman Mike Foley.”
“Hide and Speak” tells positive ways to come out to yourself, create a circle of supporters and deal with family, job and school. Readers will learn how to live proud, free and balanced, no matter what happens.
The book is not just about homosexuality. The life-changing handbook is useful for all people who struggle with secrets and their consequences.
Originally published in 1991, “Hide and Speak” was recently updated and released by AndroGyne Press, a new queer studies press based in Berkeley, CA.
For more info, please visit JesusInLove.org or email kitt@JesusInLove.org.
###
Click here for more info on the Polish translation, titled “Coming out: Co ukrywać, a o czym mówić”
ISBN: 978-83-246-1430-1
Author Coaches U.S. Senators on Coming-Out (8/28/07)
LOS ANGELES, CA -- Aug. 28, 2007 -- “Hide and Speak: A Coming Out Guide” will be sent free upon request to any U.S. Senator, including scandal-plagued Larry Craig.
”Gay sex scandals have become way too common -- especially among conservative leaders who oppose gay rights,” said Rev. Kittredge Cherry, a lesbian minister and author of “Hide and Speak.”
Cherry offered the book to Senators today when a media frenzy arose over Craig's arrest for allegedly soliciting gay sex in a public restroom. Craig announced today that he regretted making a guilty plea to a lesser charge and keeping the incident secret from his family, friends and staff.
”Sometimes telling the truth is difficult, but living a lie is even harder,” Cherry said. “Senator Craig is just the latest example of an anti-gay leader caught in a web of lies about a secret gay life.”
Former U.S. congressman Mike Foley and evangelical leader Rev. Ted Haggard officially opposed gay rights until recent gay sex scandals ended their public careers. They all might have prevented their scandals by following the book’s powerful program of self-acceptance and appropriate disclosure. The coming-out guide gives practical help with the coming-out process for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) people -- and anyone else with a story to tell.
Each chapter of “Hide and Speak” includes real life examples and tested, highly effective exercises used by Cherry in coming-out workshops nationwide. She tells positive ways to come out to oneself, create a circle of supporters and deal with family, job and school. Readers will learn how to live proud, free and balanced, no matter what happens.
”Senator Craig needs coming-out advice, but so do many others,” Cherry said. “Queer teens are exploring their sexual orientation at younger ages. Lesbian and gay soldiers are facing the ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy while they fight in Iraq. Transgender surgery is now common. ‘Hide and Speak’ is the right resource for all of these challenges and more.”
“Hide and Speak” is not just about homosexuality. The life-changing handbook is useful for all people who struggle with secrets and their consequences.
U.S. Senators are invited to request their free copy by contacting kitt@JesusInLove.org or visiting www.JesusInLove.org.
“Hide and Speak” was recently released by AndroGyne Press, a new queer studies press based in Berkeley, CA.
###
Publisher: AndroGyne Press (Oct. 2006)
Price: $16.95
Paperback: 162 pages
ISBN: 1933993111
”Gay sex scandals have become way too common -- especially among conservative leaders who oppose gay rights,” said Rev. Kittredge Cherry, a lesbian minister and author of “Hide and Speak.”
Cherry offered the book to Senators today when a media frenzy arose over Craig's arrest for allegedly soliciting gay sex in a public restroom. Craig announced today that he regretted making a guilty plea to a lesser charge and keeping the incident secret from his family, friends and staff.
”Sometimes telling the truth is difficult, but living a lie is even harder,” Cherry said. “Senator Craig is just the latest example of an anti-gay leader caught in a web of lies about a secret gay life.”
Former U.S. congressman Mike Foley and evangelical leader Rev. Ted Haggard officially opposed gay rights until recent gay sex scandals ended their public careers. They all might have prevented their scandals by following the book’s powerful program of self-acceptance and appropriate disclosure. The coming-out guide gives practical help with the coming-out process for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) people -- and anyone else with a story to tell.
Each chapter of “Hide and Speak” includes real life examples and tested, highly effective exercises used by Cherry in coming-out workshops nationwide. She tells positive ways to come out to oneself, create a circle of supporters and deal with family, job and school. Readers will learn how to live proud, free and balanced, no matter what happens.
”Senator Craig needs coming-out advice, but so do many others,” Cherry said. “Queer teens are exploring their sexual orientation at younger ages. Lesbian and gay soldiers are facing the ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy while they fight in Iraq. Transgender surgery is now common. ‘Hide and Speak’ is the right resource for all of these challenges and more.”
“Hide and Speak” is not just about homosexuality. The life-changing handbook is useful for all people who struggle with secrets and their consequences.
U.S. Senators are invited to request their free copy by contacting kitt@JesusInLove.org or visiting www.JesusInLove.org.
“Hide and Speak” was recently released by AndroGyne Press, a new queer studies press based in Berkeley, CA.
###
Publisher: AndroGyne Press (Oct. 2006)
Price: $16.95
Paperback: 162 pages
ISBN: 1933993111
Thursday, November 6, 2008
New Art Book Shows Gay Jesus and Female Christ (4/26/07)
BERKELEY, CA -- April 26, 2007 -- Art that shows Jesus as gay or female has been censored, but now these stunning images by 11 artists fill a beautifully illustrated new art book.
Art That Dares: Gay Jesus, Woman Christ, and More by Kittredge Cherry is packed with color images by 11 contemporary artists from the United States and Europe. Their art shines a spiritual light on justice for women and LGBT people.
The book will be launched at the National Festival of Progressive Spiritual Art in Taos, NM, on May 11-12. An online gallery of selected images from the book has just been added to Cherry’s website, JesusInLove.org.
“Christ belongs to everyone,” says Cherry, an art historian and lesbian Christian author. “The gay Jesus and the woman Christ are here to free and empower people who feel left out when Jesus is presented as a straight man.”
The 11 artists in Art That Dares are a diverse group. They work both inside and outside the church, but all of their art respects the teachings of Jesus.
In the book, the artists tell the stories behind their images, including censorship, hate mail, violence, death threats, and vandalism that destroyed their work. A lively introduction puts the art into political and historical context, exploring issues of blasphemy and artistic freedom.
“These new images are much needed now because Christian rhetoric is used to justify discrimination against women and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people,” Cherry explains.
Explicitly queer Christian imagery in Art That Dares includes photos of Jesus with contemporary LGBT people by Elisabeth Ohlson Wallin of Sweden, a 24-panel gay vision of the Passion by New York painter F. Douglas Blanchard, and the notorious “faggot crucifixion” painting by Atlanta’s Becki Jayne Harrelson. Gary Speziale sculpts a sensuous moment between a nude Adam and the new Adam, while Alex Donis shows Jesus kissing a Hindu god.
Female Christ figures in the book range from Edwina Sandys’ famous bronze crucifix Christa to Janet McKenzie’s award-winning Jesus of the People, which Sister Wendy of PBS chose to represent Christ in the new millennium. Jill Ansell and Sandra Yagi use the symbolism of the cross to explore the suffering of women.
Cherry operates JesusInLove.org, which offers spiritual resources for LGBT people and their allies. She was at the forefront of the sexuality debate at the National Council of Churches (USA) and the World Council of Churches as National Ecumenical Officer for Metropolitan Community Churches. She holds degrees in journalism, art history, and religion.
Cherry’s other books include Jesus in Love, Hide and Speak, Equal Rites and Womanword. The New York Times Book Review praised her “very graceful, erudite” writing style.
Art That Dares (ISBN 1-933993-29-4) is published by AndroGyne Press, a new queer studies press in Berkeley, CA. Ingram Book Group distributes it.
For more information, contact info@JesusInLove.org or publisher@androgynepress.com, or visit: JesusInLove.org or AndroGynePress.com.
###
Art That Dares: Gay Jesus, Woman Christ, and More
By Kittredge Cherry
Publisher: AndroGyne Press
Paperback with color images: 100 pages
Dimensions: 8.5 x 11 inches
Price: $38.95
ISBN: 1-933993-29-4
Publication date: Sept. 1, 2007
Distributed by: Ingram Book Group
Art That Dares: Gay Jesus, Woman Christ, and More by Kittredge Cherry is packed with color images by 11 contemporary artists from the United States and Europe. Their art shines a spiritual light on justice for women and LGBT people.
The book will be launched at the National Festival of Progressive Spiritual Art in Taos, NM, on May 11-12. An online gallery of selected images from the book has just been added to Cherry’s website, JesusInLove.org.
“Christ belongs to everyone,” says Cherry, an art historian and lesbian Christian author. “The gay Jesus and the woman Christ are here to free and empower people who feel left out when Jesus is presented as a straight man.”
The 11 artists in Art That Dares are a diverse group. They work both inside and outside the church, but all of their art respects the teachings of Jesus.
In the book, the artists tell the stories behind their images, including censorship, hate mail, violence, death threats, and vandalism that destroyed their work. A lively introduction puts the art into political and historical context, exploring issues of blasphemy and artistic freedom.
“These new images are much needed now because Christian rhetoric is used to justify discrimination against women and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people,” Cherry explains.
Explicitly queer Christian imagery in Art That Dares includes photos of Jesus with contemporary LGBT people by Elisabeth Ohlson Wallin of Sweden, a 24-panel gay vision of the Passion by New York painter F. Douglas Blanchard, and the notorious “faggot crucifixion” painting by Atlanta’s Becki Jayne Harrelson. Gary Speziale sculpts a sensuous moment between a nude Adam and the new Adam, while Alex Donis shows Jesus kissing a Hindu god.
Female Christ figures in the book range from Edwina Sandys’ famous bronze crucifix Christa to Janet McKenzie’s award-winning Jesus of the People, which Sister Wendy of PBS chose to represent Christ in the new millennium. Jill Ansell and Sandra Yagi use the symbolism of the cross to explore the suffering of women.
Cherry operates JesusInLove.org, which offers spiritual resources for LGBT people and their allies. She was at the forefront of the sexuality debate at the National Council of Churches (USA) and the World Council of Churches as National Ecumenical Officer for Metropolitan Community Churches. She holds degrees in journalism, art history, and religion.
Cherry’s other books include Jesus in Love, Hide and Speak, Equal Rites and Womanword. The New York Times Book Review praised her “very graceful, erudite” writing style.
Art That Dares (ISBN 1-933993-29-4) is published by AndroGyne Press, a new queer studies press in Berkeley, CA. Ingram Book Group distributes it.
For more information, contact info@JesusInLove.org or publisher@androgynepress.com, or visit: JesusInLove.org or AndroGynePress.com.
###
Art That Dares: Gay Jesus, Woman Christ, and More
By Kittredge Cherry
Publisher: AndroGyne Press
Paperback with color images: 100 pages
Dimensions: 8.5 x 11 inches
Price: $38.95
ISBN: 1-933993-29-4
Publication date: Sept. 1, 2007
Distributed by: Ingram Book Group
New Book Stirs Gay Jesus Debate (4/4/07)
BERKELEY, CA -- April 4, 2007 -- A new novel about the sexual and spiritual awakening of a queer Christ is sparking controversy this Easter.
“Christ taught love, but some of his followers preach hate,” says Kittredge Cherry, the lesbian Christian author of “Jesus in Love.” “Conservative Christians are calling me names and saying I’ll go to hell -- all because I wrote a novel with a gay love story between Jesus and his disciple John.”
Right-wing Christian bloggers labeled Cherry “a hyper-homosexual revisionist” and denounced her book as “garbage,” “insanity” and “a blatant act defamation and blasphemy.” Her website, JesusInLove.org, got many emails with warnings such as, “Gays are not wanted in the kingdom of Christ! They are cast into the lake of fire.”
This kind of religious bigotry is exactly why “Jesus in Love” is needed, Cherry noted. “Christian rhetoric is used to justify hate and discrimination against LGBT people, but Jesus loved everyone, including sexual outcasts,” she says.
Cherry was at the forefront of the sexuality debate at the National Council of Churches (USA) and the World Council of Churches as National Ecumenical Officer for Metropolitan Community Churches. She wrote “Jesus in Love” after Chronic Fatigue Syndrome forced her into a more contemplative life.
“Jesus in Love” closely follows the Biblical text and standard Christian doctrine while speculating on Christ’s erotic inner life. It presents a gender-blind Jesus who blends masculinity and femininity as he does humanity and divinity. Enchanted by people’s souls, he barely notices their gender and ends up falling in love with John, Mary Magdalene and the multi-gendered Holy Spirit as he teaches and heals people in first-century Palestine.
“Every community presents Jesus in their own way,” Cherry explains. “There’s black Jesus, Asian Jesus -- and now queer Jesus to heal the damage being done by homophobes in Christ’s name.”
LGBT spiritual leaders affirm “Jesus in Love.” Rev. Mel White, founder of Soulforce, says, “Kitt Cherry has broken through the stained-glass barrier” and urges people to read her “classic re-telling of the greatest story ever told.”
Theology professor Carter Heyward calls it as “a lovely, gentle, playful book” and gay spirituality author Toby Johnson praises it as “a real tour de force in transforming traditional myth to modern consciousness.”
“Jesus in Love” is also getting good reviews in the secular LGBT community, and translations into German and Portuguese are underway. Syndicated gay book critic Richard Labonte proclaimed it “a winsome affirmation of erotic love’s sacred potential.” The Bay Area Reporter described it as “sensuous, courageous, and unique.”
“Jesus in Love” (ISBN 1-933993-18-9) is published by AndroGyne Press, a new queer studies press in Berkeley, CA. Ingram Book Group distributes it.
For more info, contact info@JesusInLove.org or publisher@androgynepress.com, or visit:
http://jesusinlove.org
or
http://www.androgynepress.com.
“Christ taught love, but some of his followers preach hate,” says Kittredge Cherry, the lesbian Christian author of “Jesus in Love.” “Conservative Christians are calling me names and saying I’ll go to hell -- all because I wrote a novel with a gay love story between Jesus and his disciple John.”
Right-wing Christian bloggers labeled Cherry “a hyper-homosexual revisionist” and denounced her book as “garbage,” “insanity” and “a blatant act defamation and blasphemy.” Her website, JesusInLove.org, got many emails with warnings such as, “Gays are not wanted in the kingdom of Christ! They are cast into the lake of fire.”
This kind of religious bigotry is exactly why “Jesus in Love” is needed, Cherry noted. “Christian rhetoric is used to justify hate and discrimination against LGBT people, but Jesus loved everyone, including sexual outcasts,” she says.
Cherry was at the forefront of the sexuality debate at the National Council of Churches (USA) and the World Council of Churches as National Ecumenical Officer for Metropolitan Community Churches. She wrote “Jesus in Love” after Chronic Fatigue Syndrome forced her into a more contemplative life.
“Jesus in Love” closely follows the Biblical text and standard Christian doctrine while speculating on Christ’s erotic inner life. It presents a gender-blind Jesus who blends masculinity and femininity as he does humanity and divinity. Enchanted by people’s souls, he barely notices their gender and ends up falling in love with John, Mary Magdalene and the multi-gendered Holy Spirit as he teaches and heals people in first-century Palestine.
“Every community presents Jesus in their own way,” Cherry explains. “There’s black Jesus, Asian Jesus -- and now queer Jesus to heal the damage being done by homophobes in Christ’s name.”
LGBT spiritual leaders affirm “Jesus in Love.” Rev. Mel White, founder of Soulforce, says, “Kitt Cherry has broken through the stained-glass barrier” and urges people to read her “classic re-telling of the greatest story ever told.”
Theology professor Carter Heyward calls it as “a lovely, gentle, playful book” and gay spirituality author Toby Johnson praises it as “a real tour de force in transforming traditional myth to modern consciousness.”
“Jesus in Love” is also getting good reviews in the secular LGBT community, and translations into German and Portuguese are underway. Syndicated gay book critic Richard Labonte proclaimed it “a winsome affirmation of erotic love’s sacred potential.” The Bay Area Reporter described it as “sensuous, courageous, and unique.”
“Jesus in Love” (ISBN 1-933993-18-9) is published by AndroGyne Press, a new queer studies press in Berkeley, CA. Ingram Book Group distributes it.
For more info, contact info@JesusInLove.org or publisher@androgynepress.com, or visit:
http://jesusinlove.org
or
http://www.androgynepress.com.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Shocking New Book Dares to Show Bisexual Jesus (12/1/2006)
LOS ANGELES, CA — Dec. 1, 2006 — A controversial novel about a bisexual Jesus is being published now by AndroGyne Press.
“Christ’s story is for everyone,” said Kittredge Cherry, author of “Jesus in Love,” the first novel ever published about a queer Christ. “It’s okay to imagine yourself in the story of Jesus. He is ALL of us.”
Like the bestseller “Da Vinci Code,” “Jesus in Love” is a work of fiction that sparks debate by raising the issue of Christ’s sexuality. “Jesus in Love” includes a gay love story between Jesus and his beloved disciple John. Cherry is not trying to prove that the historical Jesus had a homosexual relationship, although some pioneering Bible scholars do say so.
Controversy began even before publication. Hundreds of gay news sites covered the launch of Cherry’s website, JesusInLove.org, which features the growing number of books and art based on the queer Christ. Bloggers battled over whether it was “sick and disgusting” or “a rather heavenly idea.”
“The queer Christ is a sign of hope when Christians and gays seem to be at war. He loves and stands for all people, including the sexually marginalized,” said Cherry, a lesbian Christian author whose ministry put her at the forefront of the sexuality debate at the National Council of Churches (USA) and the World Council of Churches.
Cherry was ordained by Metropolitan Community Churches and served as clergy in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community for seven years. Her previous books include “Hide and Speak,” “Womansword” and “Equal Rites.” The New York Times Book Review praised her “very graceful, erudite” writing style.
Toby Johnson, author of “Gay Spirituality,” described “Jesus in Love” as “a wonderful, gay-sensitive, and delightfully ‘shocking’ reassessment of the stories of the old-time religion.”
Virginia Mollenkott, author of “Omnigender,” also praised Cherry’s book. “People who want to understand how erotic love can be sacred, and divine love can be erotic, will delight in this novel.”
Many publishers rejected “Jesus in Love” because it was too gay for the church presses, and too Christian for the gay publishers. AndroGyne Press, a new queer studies press based in
Berkeley, CA, finally dared to publish it.
Jesus has today’s queer sensibilities and psychological sophistication as he lives out his legendary life in “Jesus in Love.” The novel shows how Jesus grows over a one-year period—from his decision to get baptized until the day he sends his disciples away to teach others.
Readers can relate to his struggles: Society doesn’t understand him. He falls in love with people of both sexes. He feels like his real self is both male and female. Jesus, the narrator, speaks in an engaging, up-to-date tone as he reveals his intimate relationships with John the beloved disciple, Mary Magdalene and the multi-gendered Holy Spirit
“I wrote the novel to introduce readers to the all-loving Jesus who I met in my own prayer life,” Cherry said. “My Jesus is both divine and human -- including the full range of sexual attractions and gender identities.”
For more information on “Jesus in Love” and Kittredge Cherry, visit www.JesusInLove.org or www.AndroGynePress.com.
# # #
JESUS IN LOVE: A NOVEL
By Kittredge Cherry
Publication date: Dec. 2006
ISBN: 1-933993-18-9
Publisher: AndroGyne Press
Price: $18.95
Paperback: 328 pages
Distributed by: Ingram Book Group
* Publisher’s website: http://www.androgynepress.com
* Author’s web site: http://www.jesusinlove.com
“Christ’s story is for everyone,” said Kittredge Cherry, author of “Jesus in Love,” the first novel ever published about a queer Christ. “It’s okay to imagine yourself in the story of Jesus. He is ALL of us.”
Like the bestseller “Da Vinci Code,” “Jesus in Love” is a work of fiction that sparks debate by raising the issue of Christ’s sexuality. “Jesus in Love” includes a gay love story between Jesus and his beloved disciple John. Cherry is not trying to prove that the historical Jesus had a homosexual relationship, although some pioneering Bible scholars do say so.
Controversy began even before publication. Hundreds of gay news sites covered the launch of Cherry’s website, JesusInLove.org, which features the growing number of books and art based on the queer Christ. Bloggers battled over whether it was “sick and disgusting” or “a rather heavenly idea.”
“The queer Christ is a sign of hope when Christians and gays seem to be at war. He loves and stands for all people, including the sexually marginalized,” said Cherry, a lesbian Christian author whose ministry put her at the forefront of the sexuality debate at the National Council of Churches (USA) and the World Council of Churches.
Cherry was ordained by Metropolitan Community Churches and served as clergy in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community for seven years. Her previous books include “Hide and Speak,” “Womansword” and “Equal Rites.” The New York Times Book Review praised her “very graceful, erudite” writing style.
Toby Johnson, author of “Gay Spirituality,” described “Jesus in Love” as “a wonderful, gay-sensitive, and delightfully ‘shocking’ reassessment of the stories of the old-time religion.”
Virginia Mollenkott, author of “Omnigender,” also praised Cherry’s book. “People who want to understand how erotic love can be sacred, and divine love can be erotic, will delight in this novel.”
Many publishers rejected “Jesus in Love” because it was too gay for the church presses, and too Christian for the gay publishers. AndroGyne Press, a new queer studies press based in
Berkeley, CA, finally dared to publish it.
Jesus has today’s queer sensibilities and psychological sophistication as he lives out his legendary life in “Jesus in Love.” The novel shows how Jesus grows over a one-year period—from his decision to get baptized until the day he sends his disciples away to teach others.
Readers can relate to his struggles: Society doesn’t understand him. He falls in love with people of both sexes. He feels like his real self is both male and female. Jesus, the narrator, speaks in an engaging, up-to-date tone as he reveals his intimate relationships with John the beloved disciple, Mary Magdalene and the multi-gendered Holy Spirit
“I wrote the novel to introduce readers to the all-loving Jesus who I met in my own prayer life,” Cherry said. “My Jesus is both divine and human -- including the full range of sexual attractions and gender identities.”
For more information on “Jesus in Love” and Kittredge Cherry, visit www.JesusInLove.org or www.AndroGynePress.com.
# # #
JESUS IN LOVE: A NOVEL
By Kittredge Cherry
Publication date: Dec. 2006
ISBN: 1-933993-18-9
Publisher: AndroGyne Press
Price: $18.95
Paperback: 328 pages
Distributed by: Ingram Book Group
* Publisher’s website: http://www.androgynepress.com
* Author’s web site: http://www.jesusinlove.com
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Lesbian Easter Surprise: Female Jesus on the Cross (3/28/06)
LOS ANGELES, CA -- March 28, 2006 -- A female Christ is crucified while men loot her purse at JesusInLove.org, a new website featuring progressive images of Jesus.
“Every time a woman is abused, Jesus is crucified again,” said Kittredge Cherry, lesbian author and founder of the website. “Men use religion to justify discrimination, so even atheists can see the value in uprooting sexism from Christian tradition.”
Artists who dare to put the Easter story in an alternative context have had their work destroyed -- if they can find a way to exhibit it at all. Now these powerful images are available for all to see at JesusInLove.org.
A high-tech slide show takes visitors through the Easter story from a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender viewpoint at http://jesusinlove.org/prayf.php. It includes the following:
*The crucified Christ is labeled “faggot” in a painting by Becki Jayne Harrelson.
*The female Christ dies on the cross while her purse is looted by the Pope, a businessman and a terrorist in a work by Sandra Yagi.
*The dead Christ is revived by a female Holy Spirit in Harrelson’s “Resurrection.”
*The risen Christ approaches hand-in-hand with his male lover in “Jesus Rises” by F. Douglas Blanchard.
“The Easter story is important for lesbians. It tells us that God suffers with us, and it offers the promise of rebirth and redemption,” Cherry explained.
A recent review of JesusInLove.org by online magazine QueerDay.com called the site “a rather heavenly idea.”
JesusInLove.org features work by six contemporary American artists and an impressive links page that connects with many other artists worldwide who picture Christ as female or gay.
The history behind the female Christ is fleshed out in a variety of new books listed at JesusInLove.org. The site also offers a sneak preview of Kittredge Cherry’s forthcoming fictional autobiography of the queer Christ, “Jesus in Love.”
For more information, contact JesusInLoveInfo@aol.com or visit http://jesusinlove.org/prayf.php
###
“Every time a woman is abused, Jesus is crucified again,” said Kittredge Cherry, lesbian author and founder of the website. “Men use religion to justify discrimination, so even atheists can see the value in uprooting sexism from Christian tradition.”
Artists who dare to put the Easter story in an alternative context have had their work destroyed -- if they can find a way to exhibit it at all. Now these powerful images are available for all to see at JesusInLove.org.
A high-tech slide show takes visitors through the Easter story from a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender viewpoint at http://jesusinlove.org/prayf.php. It includes the following:
*The crucified Christ is labeled “faggot” in a painting by Becki Jayne Harrelson.
*The female Christ dies on the cross while her purse is looted by the Pope, a businessman and a terrorist in a work by Sandra Yagi.
*The dead Christ is revived by a female Holy Spirit in Harrelson’s “Resurrection.”
*The risen Christ approaches hand-in-hand with his male lover in “Jesus Rises” by F. Douglas Blanchard.
“The Easter story is important for lesbians. It tells us that God suffers with us, and it offers the promise of rebirth and redemption,” Cherry explained.
A recent review of JesusInLove.org by online magazine QueerDay.com called the site “a rather heavenly idea.”
JesusInLove.org features work by six contemporary American artists and an impressive links page that connects with many other artists worldwide who picture Christ as female or gay.
The history behind the female Christ is fleshed out in a variety of new books listed at JesusInLove.org. The site also offers a sneak preview of Kittredge Cherry’s forthcoming fictional autobiography of the queer Christ, “Jesus in Love.”
For more information, contact JesusInLoveInfo@aol.com or visit http://jesusinlove.org/prayf.php
###
Lesbian Artists Transform Christmas Legend (12/7/05)
LOS ANGELES, CA – Dec. 7, 2005 -- Lesbian artists are transforming the Christmas story by showing the baby Jesus with two moms.
“It’s important for queer people to see ourselves in the stories that shape our culture, especially at Christmastime when many of us feel isolated from holiday traditions,” said Kittredge Cherry, founder of JesusInLove.org, the first website focused on LGBT Christian art. “Lesbian artists are redefining the Holy Family as two women with the baby Jesus.”
A prime example is “Madonna, Lover and Son” by Becki Jayne Harrelson, which includes a turkey baster hidden in the bushes. Most galleries are afraid to exhibit this lesbian Christmas image, but JesusInLove.org displays the controversial painting on its links page.
“Lesbians can relate to the myth of Mary’s virgin birth because we use artificial insemination to have babies without heterosexual sex,” Cherry explained.
JesusInLove.org’s impressive links page also connects with “Alternative Conceptions” by Nancy Duff. Her “corrective painting” adds a pair of lesbian moms to Leonardo DaVinci’s classic portrait of the baby Jesus with his mother and grandmother.
Cherry points out that pro-woman views of the virgin birth go back at least as far as the famous 1851 speech by abolitionist Sojourner Truth. “Where did your Christ come from?” Truth asked. “From God and a woman! Man had nothing to do with Him.”
The theology behind the lesbian Madonna is explored in a variety of new books listed at JesusInLove.org. They include a sneak preview of Kittredge Cherry’s forthcoming fictional autobiography of the queer Christ, “Jesus in Love.”
For more information, contact JesusInLoveInfo@aol.com or visit http://www.JesusInLove.org.
###
“It’s important for queer people to see ourselves in the stories that shape our culture, especially at Christmastime when many of us feel isolated from holiday traditions,” said Kittredge Cherry, founder of JesusInLove.org, the first website focused on LGBT Christian art. “Lesbian artists are redefining the Holy Family as two women with the baby Jesus.”
A prime example is “Madonna, Lover and Son” by Becki Jayne Harrelson, which includes a turkey baster hidden in the bushes. Most galleries are afraid to exhibit this lesbian Christmas image, but JesusInLove.org displays the controversial painting on its links page.
“Lesbians can relate to the myth of Mary’s virgin birth because we use artificial insemination to have babies without heterosexual sex,” Cherry explained.
JesusInLove.org’s impressive links page also connects with “Alternative Conceptions” by Nancy Duff. Her “corrective painting” adds a pair of lesbian moms to Leonardo DaVinci’s classic portrait of the baby Jesus with his mother and grandmother.
Cherry points out that pro-woman views of the virgin birth go back at least as far as the famous 1851 speech by abolitionist Sojourner Truth. “Where did your Christ come from?” Truth asked. “From God and a woman! Man had nothing to do with Him.”
The theology behind the lesbian Madonna is explored in a variety of new books listed at JesusInLove.org. They include a sneak preview of Kittredge Cherry’s forthcoming fictional autobiography of the queer Christ, “Jesus in Love.”
For more information, contact JesusInLoveInfo@aol.com or visit http://www.JesusInLove.org.
###
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
