The Lay of the Land

Abstract

The twenty-first century is sha** up to be a century defined largely by the realm of religion. This is particularly true for queer people seeking liberation from a pervasive colonial past. Any exploration of complex present realities thus first requires a theologically informed historical excursus. Spanning the past decades, this chapter recounts the growing divisions within society and the church, as the sexual revolution took hold and the church sought to reinforce its traditionalist sexual ethic. With deep regard for the contested terrain we traverse, I hold scientific research into gender and sexuality in dialogue with theological rhetoric. Sometimes, these dialogues are in tension. Sometimes the church has been a champion of LGBTQA+ rights. Sometimes the rhetoric dissolves into outright hostilities.

Within this, we necessarily have to face the fact that the church is divided on this matter. Deep disagreements are threatening the unity of the Western church, and LGBTQA+ people are the unwilling collateral of the battle. This chapter places the individual in the context of these movements, framing their journeys as explorations of identity development, and paving the foundation for further explorations of trauma.