Today is the day for the Queer Theology Synchroblog!
Here’s how it works:
On December 15 we ask everyone in the community to post something around a particular theme. You can write an essay or a poem, make a video, record a song; anything you can dream up! Just post it on the the 15th, come back here and add a link to your offering, and you’ll be included in the roundup.
This year’s theme for the Synchroblog is Sex and Bodies!
What does our faith have to tell us about our bodies? What have you learned from your sexuality and your body that has deepened your faith? How does your queer and/or transgender body influence how you see God and the world?
This is all about positive theology. No need for apologetics here. We don’t need posts about why queer sex is okay or why it’s all right for transgender people to medically transition. This is all about claiming the belief that queer people have more to offer the world than what we are not. What body and sex positivity can queer people put into the world? What can transgender people teach the church about what it means to be embodied.
We realize that some queer and trans folks are asexual or choose not to have sex. How has your choice to abstain deepened your relationships with other people? What has it taught you about your faith? How has it strengthened your relationships?
How can sex bring you closer to God? What about the queerness of Jesus’ body? How can we reframe the church’s teachings about sex and bodies to make them healthy and life giving for queer and trans people.
These are just some prompts to get you started. You are free to write about whatever comes to mind.
If you don’t have a blog but would like to post something, let us know and we’ll try to find you a host. If you are a straight/cisgender person and would like to offer your blog as a host site, please let us know and we’ll connect you with someone who needs a place to write.
Below is a list of frequently asked questions, please check it out before asking something, however if your question isn’t answered either comment or send us an email and we’ll help you sort it out.
This year’s contributions
We’ll be adding contributions as they roll out throughout the day. There’s still time for you to contribute! Write a post (or record a video), post a link in the comments, and we’ll add it here.
solidarity with “the strangest thing in christianity” by HH Brownsmith
my body. by Oliver Pasholk
Broken Bodies and Necco Wafers by Peterson Toscano
When a porn star taught me how to pray by Rick Stott
Sexuality & Vulnerability by Jarell Wilson
My Queer Place in the World by Neil Ellis Orts
Ripening Of The Plum a poem by Kathryn Mahan
Is My Shame a Gift? by Shannon TL Kearns
noli me tangere a poem by Jarel Robinson
What promiscuity taught me about God’s love by Brian G. Murphy (there’s a video too!)
What’s so Wrong with Being a Christian Slut? by Stephen Schmidt
Queer Theology: Sex & Bodies. by Rah Carter
Embracing the Good by epiphany6
Body Thoughts by Emily Rintoul
Got questions? We’ve got answers:
Okay, now on to the nitty gritty of how it works and some frequently asked questions:
What is a “Synchroblog”?
A synchroblog is when a group of people all write about the same topic on the same day and post it to their personal blogs.
How do I participate?
When you’ve written your post, make sure to include a link to this post in yours and post a comment including a link on this post. On December 15 we will compile all the links and and we’ll get it rolling! On the 15th, once our post with the links of all participating goes up it would be great if you would edit your post to include the links to all of the others participating (as that’s what makes a synchroblog really work)!
Can I make a video instead of writing a post?
Yes! Absolutely. Either embed the video into a blog post and send us that link, or send us the link to the video.
Do I have to be a theologian/academic/Christian?
No, no, and no! While QueerTheology.com focuses on Christian theology, this synchroblog is open to anyone who wants to write on the topic! Offer a personal reflection, a poem, or a video. Write about this from a Jewish perspective, from a Muslim perspective, from a Pagan perspective. If the topic of “Sex/Bodies” doesn’t resonate with you, or if you feel that queer theology isn’t important than maybe this synchroblog isn’t for you, but that’s totally your call.
I’m not queer or trans*, can I write a post?
We would really love for folks who want to be in solidarity with the queer and trans* community to use this opportunity to signal boost the voices of queer and trans* people. We would love for you to have a queer or trans* friend write a guest post for your blog, interview a queer or trans* friend about how their faith has been deepened by being queer, etc. And of course, we want you to read along and be inspired by the participants.
I don’t have a blog, can I still participate?
If you don’t have a blog but would like to participate, please send us an email and we’ll work something out!
Can I see an example of this Synchroblog thing?
Yup! If you want to get a better sense of what this look likes, check out a prior year’s synchroblog.
I’m still confused: What do I do (or my question wasn’t answered here)?
Send us an email to connect@queertheology.com and we’ll try to walk you through it.