Our Lady of Perpetual Brunch

Send a textIn this episode of Our Lady of Perpetual Brunch, host Stephen Stanley sits with with John Smid, a former leader of the ex-gay ministry Love in Action. John shares his extraordinary journey from coming out as gay in the late 1970s, to entering conversion therapy, and eventually renouncing those practices. He discusses the emotional toll of ex-gay ministries, the impact on families, and his path to redemption and acceptance. John reflects on the importance of community, love, and living in uncertainty, emphasizing the need for grace and understanding in a world that often lacks it.This is a little longer than our normal episode, but it's a remarkable journey that I hope you'll enjoy taking with me.  Episode Links:  We discuss the documentary This Is What Love In Action Looks Like, which chronicled a protest outside the headquarters of the Memphis-based conversion therapy center of Love In Action.  Here's a link to that doc: https://tubitv.com/movies/100003746/this-is-what-love-in-action-looks-likeHere's a link to the trailer.To follow this podcast on social or learn more, check out our linktree here.  Please drop me a line on social media, or email me at perpetualbrunch (at) gmail.com.  I'd love to hear from you!More on this podcast...

Send a textIn this episode, host Stephen Stanley speaks with Willow Sipling. Willow is a public policy sociologist focusing her research and writing on organizational ethics, religious fundamentalism, and conversion therapy. Willow also serves as a nonprofit leader at OutCenter Southwest Michigan and is completing a PhD at Western Michigan University.  Willow grew up intersex and trans in a conservative religious household, and through her spiritual journey visited on many different faith traditions.  As she navigates her path, she highlights the significance of critical thinking and the need for inclusive spaces within religious contexts. The conversation culminates in a discussion about the broader implications of faith, identity, and the ongoing fight for acceptance and understanding within religious institutions, ultimately advocating for a more compassionate and inclusive approach to spirituality.  It's a fascinating journey that I know you'll enjoy. To learn more about check out her website here: https://willowsipling.com/To follow this podcast on social or learn more, check out our linktree here.  Please drop me a line on social media, or email me at perpetualbrunch (at) gmail.com.  I'd love to hear from you!More on this podcast...

Send a textIn this episode of Our Lady of Perpetual Brunch, host Stephen Stanley engages in a lively discussion with Jeza Belle, a drag performer, Bible scholar, and accomplished author. The conversation covers Jeza's journey navigating her Jewish and Christian upbringing, her studies at a conservative Southern religious college, the intersection of her faith with her drag persona, her motivations behind writing her award-winning book, Jeza's Jesus Juice, and her recent and upcoming LGBTQ+ historical fiction books.Jeza shares her insights on pride, grace, and radical inclusivity within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.  You can see more about Jeza on her website iamjezabelle.  And be sure to check out links to her writings, including her award-winning devotional Jeza's Jesus Juice, and her new novel Abomination:  The Story of David and Jonathan. Jeza's InstagramJeza's FacebookCredits:Audio Assistant: Gerry MilliganProduction Assistant:  Ben MedleyMore on this podcast...

Send a textIn this episode of 'Our Lady of Perpetual Brunch,' host Stephen Stanley sits down with Pastor Bill White of City Church Long Beach to discuss his evolving views on LGBTQ+ inclusion in the church. Bill shares his personal journey, sparked by his son's coming out, which transitioned him from a conservative evangelical stance to becoming an affirming advocate. They delve into the challenges and breakthroughs in Bill's ministry and his outreach work with Small Church Big Table, a nonprofit coaching evangelical leaders on fostering inclusive environments. Join them for a heartfelt conversation about love, faith, and the transformative power of acceptance.You can read his son's moving re-telling of his journey in the NY Times to coming out to his dad here.And you can listen or read to Bill's journals and further reflections in the NY Times here.  (I recommend the listen option!)To follow us on social or learn more, check out our linktree here.  Drop me a line on social media, or email me at perpetualbrunch (at) gmail.com.  I'd love to hear from you!More on this podcast...

Send a textEpisode 7:  Flamy GrantIn this episode of Our Lady of Perpetual Brunch, host Stephen Stanley sits down with Flamy Grant, a groundbreaking, openly queer singer-songwriter who has made big waves in the contemporary Christian music scene. Flamy shares her journey from being raised in a conservative evangelical environment to becoming a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ representation in a genre that has never had a drag performer top its charts before. Through her defiant and joyous music, Flamy demonstrates the importance of inclusivity and the rejection of gatekeeping in spiritual spaces.To learn more about Flamy, check out her website at www.flamygrant.com.  You can check out her music and touring schedule there, or listen to her on all major platforms.  To follow up on social or learn more, check out our linktree here.  Drop me a line on social media, or email me at perpetualbrunch (at) gmail.com.  I'd love to hear from you!Song Credits:Everything's Made Up (c) 2022, Flamy GrantGood Day (c) 2022, Flamy Grant from the album Bible Belt Baby.Songs used with permission of Artist.More on this podcast...

Send a textJoin me as I chat with Colby Holt and Sam Probst. Colby and Sam are the directors of the recent film Ganymede, which examines coming out and religious trauma through the lens of a horror creature feature.Colby is also a drag nun in Chicago as part of a Mission House Of The Sisters Of Perpetual Indulgence: Rev. Sister Merry Mae-King.I hope you enjoy!More on this podcast...

Send a textJoin me as I chat with Michael Bell.   Michael is the Executive Director of the Savannah Pride Center in Savannah GA.  He’s also a multi-dimensional channel, Reiki Master Teacher and Energy Healing Practitioner.  We'll discuss his work with the Pride Center, his understanding of religious trauma and addiction among queer people, and how we can all tap into our own ability to heal.  https://savannahpridecenter.org/https://www.instagram.com/michaelbellhealing/Audio and Production Assistance this episode by Tony KeatingMore on this podcast...

Send a textJoin me as I chat with the Reverend Marc Trimm. Marc is the Senior Pastor of Metropolitan Community Church of our Redeemer in Augusta, Georgia. Augusta is home to a vibrant gay community but also an intense streak of conservative evangelicalism (including being known as the founding city of the Southern Baptist Convention.  We'll discuss how Mark leads a Queer church in this storied city, and how he approaches scripture, history, and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community.https://www.mccoor.com/https://www.facebook.com/mccofourredeemer/YouTube ChannelAudio and Production Assistance this episode by Joe BushMore on this podcast...

Send a textJoin me as I chat with Lynn Discenza.  Lynn will tell us about her journey as a trans woman in the Catholic Church and her ongoing conversations with everyone from her local Priest all the way up to Pope Francis.  After our brunch, we discuss her own journey of self discovery, the fight she's making within the Church, and why she stays a Catholic.  She's an absolute delight - thought-provoking and genuinely funny. I know you'll enjoy it.https://www.stonewallspeakers.org/https://spsact.org/ministries/open-hearts-lgbtq-ministry/https://www.lgbt-ipc.org/ More on this podcast...

Send a textIn Episode 2, I speak with Susan Gage, Priest in Charge of St Barnabas Episcopal Church in Valdosta GA, along with parishioners Kay and Sarah Riggle.  We discuss both the challenges and joys of being Queer in the rural South, how to respond when Scripture is used to attach our community, coming out as Trans at church, and how the Church should handle Spiritual Harm.  All - of course- in addition to our brunch.I was absolutely charmed by these women and know you will be too.  Please consider liking and subscribing to this podcast.  See below for more links:St Barnabas Valdosta FacebookOur Lady of Perpetual Brunch InstagramOur Lady of Perpetual Brunch FacebookOur Lady of Perpetual Brunch LinktreeLocation Sound: Jared SclarMore on this podcast...

Send a textIn this first episode of the series, I speak with Erika and Candace Hardnett, Elder and Pastor of Agape Empowerment Ministries, two remarkable women who share their journey of LGBTQ+ affirmation.  I was able to attend a service in Savannah, GA and then, after having brunch together, we discuss their journey as well as how they created an affirming, international ministry in polarized times.I was especially fascinated by their discussion of the de-colonialization of scripture as well as how they handle the many members of our community who have experienced religious trauma.  I hope you enjoy and if you do please consider liking and subscribing to this podcast.  See below for more links:Agape Empowerment Ministries Facebook (with links to their services)Our Lady of Perpetual Brunch InstagramOur Lady of Perpetual Brunch FacebookShoutouts to our Audio Team:Location Sound: Jared SclarSound Editing and Mixing:  Allen LinseyMore on this podcast...