God is Gay

Episode 11: How a bookstore operating by a straight Jewish couple became a safe haven for gay pornography during the HIV crisis. These allies took on the LAPD, the FBI, and the United States President! Source material:​Held, R. S. (n.d.). Loving our neighbor. Hadar Institute. https://www.hadar.org/torah-tefillah/resources/loving-our-neighbor ​History. Circus of Books. (n.d.). https://circusofbooks.com/pages/history ​Los Angeles Times. (2020, April 21). Review: What was a nice jewish couple doing in a business like this?. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2020-04-21/circus-of-books-review-netflix-lgbtq ​Scheinerman, R. (2025, March 14). The seven genders in the Talmud. My Jewish Learning. https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/the-eight-genders-in-the-talmud/ ​Wikimedia Foundation. (2026a, March 22). Circus of Books. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circus_of_Books ​Wikimedia Foundation. (2026b, April 2). Chi Chi LaRue. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chi_Chi_LaRue

Episode 10: Three way conversation with special guest Elizabeth Joan Harris. Swapping stories of the history behind castrati and the science behind THICC vocal folds that make up the "gay voice".ELIZABETH JOAN HARRIS, BELLA FIGLIA, IS A MULTIDISCIPLINARY, GENRE- FLUID ARTIST AND SOUND DESIGNER. bella figlia extracts the divinity from the mundane, fuses the grotesque to the holy, and finds the sensual in the spiritual. When she’s not making her own work, she runs her own business FEEL IMAGINE GENERATE helping creatives find their voice through music therapy, music lessons, creative coaching, audio production and songwriting, and trans voice alteration. @feelimaginegenerate @bellafiglia777 Source material:​The church and the Baroque · V&A. Victoria and Albert Museum. (n.d.). https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/the-church-and-the-baroque?srsltid=AfmBOooGHlET62CU9pS9aUPMmmuWAY8x9MUJ140TYV7C6qfeKYM8Wx9D ​McCormack on Trans Identity and castrati roles. Haymarket Opera Company. (n.d.-a). http://www.haymarketopera.org/mccormack-on-trans-identity-and-castrati-roles ​Portrait of a castrato. (n.d.-a). https://assets.cambridge.org/97805218/85218/excerpt/9780521885218_excerpt.pdf ​Theology of the odd body: The castrati, the church, and the transgender moment | free inquiry. (n.d.-a). https://secularhumanism.org/2015/07/cont-theology-of-the-odd-body-the-castrati-the-church-and-the-transgender-m/ ​What a queer institution was the castrati - the gay & lesbian review. (n.d.-b). https://glreview.org/article/what-a-queer-institution-was-the-castrati/ ​The eroticism of emasculation: Confronting the baroque body of the castrato. (n.d.-b). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/249977612_The_Eroticism_of_Emasculation_Confronting_the_Baroque_Body_of_the_Castrato ​Handel, sarrasine - göttingen. Forum Opéra. (2024, May 16). https://www.forumopera.com/spectacle/handel-sarrasine-gottingen/ ​Leight, E. (2021, February 12). A teenage Tevin Campbell didn’t feel ready to sing prince’s songs. now, he’s glad he did. Rolling Stone. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/tevin-campbell-interview-im-ready-prince-1125830/ ​The male soprano - believer magazine. (n.d.-c). https://www.thebeliever.net/the-male-soprano/ ​OperaWireAdmin2. (2024, May 28). Göttingen International Händel Festival 2024 Review: Sarrasine. OperaWire. https://operawire.com/gottingen-international-handel-festival-2024-review-sarrasine/ ​O’Brien, K. (2022, September 9). “who cares what gender I am?” inside the extravagant world of a rare male soprano. The Age. https://www.theage.com.au/culture/music/who-cares-what-gender-i-am-inside-the-extravagant-world-of-a-rare-male-soprano-20220906-p5bfst.html ​Privilege, possibility, and perversion: Rethinking the study of early modern sexuality | request PDF. (n.d.-a). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/249157492_Privilege_Possibility_and_Perversion_Rethinking_the_Study_of_Early_Modern_Sexuality ​YouTube. (n.d.-a). https://youtu.be/IudnowP8ZNg?si=jqwCguMUWVvkC2IZ ​YouTube. (n.d.-b). https://youtu.be/BeBovcbVeQ4?si=keGmeU7y8iKEFPgv ​YouTube. (n.d.-c). https://youtu.be/dkDwl2EJJXw?si=HuUFpQfLZNmQSP7T ​YouTube. (n.d.-d). https://youtu.be/mlufdXGZB_M?si=amsOL6374R-NBgdc ​YouTube. (n.d.-e). https://youtu.be/HcOoVrXwprA?si=9rOCSg_NbgVr6Pot

Episode 9: Where did bath houses begin and how did they become a staple of gay cruising? Wear your rain boots cause it’s gonna get WET!Source Material:​Beside, L. W. (2019, May 13). The secret gay history of islam. LGBT World Beside. https://www.lgbtworldbeside.org/ru/post/the-secret-gay-history-of-islam ​Homosexuality in the halls of the islamic caliphate | by Rami Zahra | Medium. (n.d.-a). https://medium.com/@rami_zahra/homosexuality-in-the-halls-of-the-islamic-caliphate-fd0743dddeda ​Sadiq, T. (2019, September 21). The legend of abu nuwas – homo-eroticism and Arabic poetry. Dariya Ke Us Paar. https://dariyakeuspaar.wordpress.com/2019/09/21/the-legend-of-abu-nuwas-homo-eroticism-and-arabic-poetry/ ​Sood, S. (2022, February 24). The origins of bathhouse culture around the world. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20121129-the-origins-of-bathhouse-culture-around-the-world ​Stroozas, S. (2026, April 8). As Minneapolis reconsiders its adult bathhouse ban, here’s what to know about the history. MPR News. https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/04/08/minneapolis-bathhouse-ban-history ​The undeniably homoerotic nature of a traditional hammam - gaycities. (n.d.-b). https://www.gaycities.com/articles/97405/the-undeniably-homoerotic-nature-of-a-traditional-hammam/

Episode 8.5: A deeper dive into the layers of the Tingleverse, and its relatively famous cast of inhabitants. Get on this train before it takes off (Asher totally missed it)!Source Material:Chuck Tingle. Facebook. (n.d.). https://www.facebook.com/ChuckTingle/posts/love-is-real-is-a-simple-three-word-statement-but-can-be-pulled-apart-in-infinit/1277340823761058/ Schnelbach, L. (2024, January 26). “horror is not a celebration of death, it is a celebration of life”: Chuck Tingle talks camp damascus. Reactor. https://reactormag.com/horror-is-not-a-celebration-of-death-it-is-a-celebration-of-life-chuck-tingle-talks-camp-damascus/ Tingle, C. (2019). Oh, the places you’ll blow!: An adults only collection of sentient location erotica. Chuck Tingle.

Episode 8: Respecting the anonymity of the T-Rex behind the mask that is Chuck Tingle. The Tingleverse is so expansive that this episode goes on twice as long...Source Material:Chuck Tingle. Facebook. (n.d.). https://www.facebook.com/ChuckTingle/posts/love-is-real-is-a-simple-three-word-statement-but-can-be-pulled-apart-in-infinit/1277340823761058/ Schnelbach, L. (2024, January 26). “horror is not a celebration of death, it is a celebration of life”: Chuck Tingle talks camp damascus. Reactor. https://reactormag.com/horror-is-not-a-celebration-of-death-it-is-a-celebration-of-life-chuck-tingle-talks-camp-damascus/ Tingle, C. (2019). Oh, the places you’ll blow!: An adults only collection of sentient location erotica. Chuck Tingle.

Episode 7: The myth of the first ever "strap" comes from Ancient Egypt. And what happens outside the temple...stays outside the temple...Source material:Ancient egypt and the mystery of the missing phallus | by Minneapolis Institute of Art | Minneapolis Institute of Art | Medium. (n.d.). https://medium.com/minneapolis-institute-of-art/ancient-egypt-and-the-mystery-of-the-missing-phallus-97db0103ecdc DiNallo, L. (2026, January 8). Meet ancient Egypt’s first gay couple (so we hope). Out Adventures. https://outadventures.com/gay-travel-blog/ancient-egypts-first-gay-couple/ Encyclopedia.com. (2026, March 20). ." encyclopedia of religion. . encyclopedia.com. 17 Mar. 2026 . Encyclopedia.com. https://www.encyclopedia.com/plants-and-animals/zoology-and-veterinary-medicine/veterinary-medicine/castration Frampton, M. (2024, October 27). We were always here: Queer existence in ancient egypt. Working Classicists. https://www.workingclassicists.com/zine/we-were-always-here-queer-existence-in-ancient-egypt Men and the worship of Isis. Men and the Worship of Isis DeTraci Regula | Zarifa’s Touch of Egypt. (n.d.). https://www.zarifas.com/men_and_isis.shtml PENCZAK, C. (2025). Gay witchcraft, Empowering the Tribe. RED WHEEL WEISER. Queerness in ancient egypt. Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften. (n.d.). https://www.oeaw.ac.at/en/news/queerness-in-ancient-egypt

Episode 6: The life’s work of the living legend Sister Monica, better known as Sister Luisa - her crime fighting alter ego! Source Material: ​Families, F. (2023, February 3). Transgender Ministry of Accompaniment. Fortunate Families. https://fortunatefamilies.com/transgender-ministry-of-accompaniment/ ​Luisa Derouen. LGBTQ Religious Archives Network. (n.d.). https://lgbtqreligiousarchives.org/profiles/luisa-derouen ​Transgender and intersex Catholics ask Pope to rethink church stance on gender-affirming care | national Catholic reporter. (n.d.). https://www.ncronline.org/vatican/vatican-news/transgender-and-intersex-catholics-ask-pope-rethink-church-stance-gender ​YouTube. (n.d.). Meet the Catholic nun who affirmed transgender people for 20 years in secret. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpZC75SmEsM&list=PLrV2X5XoqUjvmMnhPa6W0KGzbnN2b95VA&index=4

Episode 5: What’s the origin of witches perceived as riding broomsticks through the night sky? Don’t worry, you will not be burned at the stake for buying a sex toy. Source Material:​A&E Television Networks. (2025, October 27). Why do witches ride brooms? the history behind the legend. History.com. https://www.history.com/articles/why-witches-fly-on-brooms ​Alisha Palmer PhD Candidate in English Literature. (2025, December 15). A brief history of abortion – from ancient Egyptian herbs to fighting stigma today. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/a-brief-history-of-abortion-from-ancient-egyptian-herbs-to-fighting-stigma-today-213033 ​Beckmann, L. (2023, September 21). 17 signs that you’d qualify as a witch in 1692. Mental Floss. https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/55276/17-signs-youd-qualify-witch-1692 ​Jelks, S. (n.d.). Who was Elena/Eleno de Céspedes?. TheCollector. https://www.thecollector.com/who-was-elena-de-cespedes/ ​LGBTQ history: Walter Hungerford and the Buggery Act. English Heritage. (n.d.). https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/histories/lgbtq-history/walter-hungerford-and-the-buggery-act/ Sandwich, W. by: Reality. (2025, October 27). Witch, please: Broomsticks are psychedelic. Reality Sandwich. https://realitysandwich.com/witch-please-broomsticks-are-psychedelic/ ​Queer Majority. (2026, January 24). The kindred spirits of queer witchcraft. https://www.queermajority.com/essays-all/the-kindred-spirits-of-queer-witchcraft

Episode 4: An in depth analysis of pop icon Rosalía’s song Berghain and any religious connotation. And Bjork! As a bird? For some reason…Source Material:Parr, R. (2022, September 30). St. Hildegard of Bingen: A visionary. Sisters of Mercy. https://sistersofmercy.org/st-hildegard-of-bingen/ Skinner, T. (2025, November 11). Rosalía clears up whether “Berghain” was inspired by the iconic Berlin club. NME. https://www.nme.com/news/music/rosalia-clears-up-whether-berghain-was-inspired-by-the-iconic-berlin-club-3907399 Spirituality and song: What Rosalía’s “lux” says about sainthood. Theos Think Tank. (n.d.). https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/comment/2025/11/26/spirituality-and-song-what-rosalas-lux-says-about-sainthood 

Episode 3: A historical following of “hate the sin, love the sinner” and which sin this is used in reference to. Spoiler alert: it’s the funnest sin! Source Material:​Anselm of Canterbury (D, 1109). Queer Saints and Martyrs. (2012, October 9). https://queersaints.wordpress.com/3-saints-and-sinners-in-the-medieval-church/monastic-brotherly-love/anselm-of-canterbury-d-1109/ ​Augustine of Hippo: Saint who rejected his bisexual past, defended intersex people. (n.d.). https://qspirit.net/augustine-hippo-queer-saint/ ​Smith, R., Vesey, B., & Gatiss, M. (2025). The love that dares: An anthology of queer love letters. Ilex, an imprint of Octopus Publishing Group Ltd. 

Episode 2: Review of “The House of our Mother” & the lengths a closeted lesbian cult leader goes. Do any of us really know anything about our mothers? Source Material: ​Franke, S. (2025). The House of my mother. Gallery Books. ​Mormonism & Ruby Franke. YouTube. (n.d.). https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&si=2k_rwjosyMgHyUeL&v=obEuAhu1LKc&feature=youtu.be ​R/exmormon on reddit: Jodi Hildebrandt interview with Thom Harrison about Connexions. Reddit. (n.d.). https://www.reddit.com/r/exmormon/comments/1bp760o/jodi_hildebrandt_interview_with_thom_harrison/ 

Episode 1: We discuss the Greek God of homosexual love and how it relates to Shakespeare. And yes eagles, even bald eagles, are documented as expressing same sex attraction and nesting as a throuple!Source material: ​Ganymedes. GANYMEDE (Ganymedes) - Greek Cup-Bearer of the Gods. (n.d.). https://www.theoi.com/Ouranios/Ganymedes.html ​Mark, J. J. (2021, June 23). Ganymede. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/Ganymede/ ​Penczak, C. (2003). Queer Myth. In Gay Witchcraft: Empowering the Tribe. essay. ​Shakespeare, W. (1623). As you like it. ​Stanivukovic, G. V., & Shakespeare, W. (2020). Queer Shakespeare: Desire and sexuality. The Arden Shakespeare.