Laughing Through Religious Trauma with Kevin James Thornton

We're so excited to welcome comedian, author, and internet storyteller Kevin James Thornton (@kevinjamesthornton) to the Podcast this week to talk about his new memoir, Big Gay Baby: On Beginnings, Endings, and Being Unapologetically Yourself. Kevin reflects on the accidental TikTok videos that connected thousands of people through shared experiences of growing up in fundamentalist Christianity, the role humor plays in surviving and healing religious trauma, and the long, messy process of discovering who he is beyond the expectations of church and family. We explore queer identity, faith, heartbreak, creativity, community, and the surprising freedom that can come from starting over at any age. From evangelical youth group skits and Rocky Horror screenings to comedy, art, and life after religion, Kevin is funny, tender, and deeply resonant for anyone navigating endings, new beginnings, or the ongoing journey of becoming themselves.   Resources: Learn more about Kevin at https://www.kevinjamesthornton.com/ Order Kevin's book: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/kevin-james-thornton/big-baby/9780306836763/ Follow Kevin on Social: IG and TikTok @kevinjamesthornton Learn more and join the Community at https://www.queertheology.com/community/