I’ve actually met a surprising number of gay men who are also very devoted catholics … i don’t get it but, hey you do you. However, it does mean i get to talk about my family’s connection to radical and queer theology. On my Dad’s side there is no shortage of ministers, pastors, deacons, and more; and one Yale theological scholar.
Unfortunately i only found out i was related to John Boswell when i went to his funeral when i was barely 12. I didn’t even understand his importance until long after i came out at 18.

and finally this year i actually read one of his books.
One of the gay catholics I met was the wonderful man i stayed with in Christchurch on my recent NZ-return trip. I met him over the New Year’s summer camp at a gay farm in Golden Bay … and was able to stay with him and get a local’s eye tour of Christchurch (including a stop at his church, which he practically runs as a very high functioning gay). I mentioned my relation but he hadn’t heard of him, so when i got home i grabbed myself copies of two of his books (we have a box of “family” books in the attic archive). took longer to get to the first one, but it was a fascinating read! and now it’s on it’s way down to New Zealand … and accompanying it this collage icon of the man himself …