Butt Sex, Baptism, and the Divine with Rev. Alba Onofrio
Queer Theology Podcast
In this episode, Brian is joined by the inimitable Reverend Sex @reverand_sex (Alba Onofrio), executive director of Soulforce (@souforceorg), for a conversation about queer faith, spiritual violence, and the liberative possibilities of sex-positive theology. Rev. Alba Onofrio is a theologian and spiritual activist rooted in the U.S. South, engaged in human rights work for over two decades throughout the U.S. and Latin America. As a queer, feminist Christian pastor, their ministry moves at the intersections of religion, gender, and sexuality to heal the wounds of spiritual violence and...
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Lesbian Nuns, Punk Rock, and God with Margot Douaihy
Queer Theology Podcast
Fr. Shannon is joined this week by author Margot Douaihy (@NeonMargot), and this is very exciting for him since he is a huge fan of her Sister Holiday series! Margot is a professor of creative writing at Emerson College as well as the author of the award-winning, nationally bestselling Sister Holiday series, as well as the poetry collections “Bandit/Queen: The Runaway Story of Belle Starr, Scranton Lace, and Girls Like You.” Her debut mystery, “Scorched Grace,” won The Pinckley Prize in Crime Fiction and was named a Best Crime Novel of the Year by the New York Times, Guardian, and...
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Reclaiming the Wisdom That Christian Patriarchy Tried to Bury with Angela Herrington
Queer Theology Podcast
We’re excited to welcome @angelajherrington back to the podcast to talk about her new book and overcoming Christian patriarchy. For over a decade, Angela has helped women break free from the grip of Christian patriarchy and reconnect with the wisdom they were taught to silence. She is a trauma-informed coach, strategist, and author, who has walked alongside thousands through deconstruction, spiritual burnout, and the messy, beautiful work of building a life that feels whole and true. Her work brings together spiritual insight, nervous system awareness, and grounded practices that create...
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Building Routines That Actually Serve Us
Queer Theology Podcast
It’s a New Year 🎉and in this first episode of 2026, we reflect on highlights from 2025. From book releases and big life transitions, to moves, new jobs, and shifting rhythms. What has kept us grounded has been our approach to goals and intentions that have evolved as needed. It’s why we keep saying rituals and intentions are important, y’all! Going into this year we feel that community matters more than ever. We also feel that it’s important to build more meaningful lives and one of the ways to start doing that is by naming our longings and goals. If you want some help with that,...
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Queering the 10 Commandments
Queer Theology Podcast
In this episode, we respond to a listener question about how to challenge harmful uses of the Hebrew Scriptures without falling into anti-Semitism or Christian supersessionism. As Christians, we can’t rely on the New Testament to “fix” or dismiss the Old Testament and we unpack common misunderstandings about Judaism and the Hebrew Bible. We also queer the Ten Commandments by reading this foundational text through lenses of justice, liberation, and community rather than control or exclusion. Despite how we have been taught, the commandments can function as a framework for loving God and...
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The Lamp the Light the Path, Psalms 119:105-112
Queer Theology Podcast
This week, we respond to a thoughtful listener question from Tumblr about whether progressive Christians can understand the Bible as uniquely authoritative, or whether it should be treated as inspired work alongside other great works of literature and poetry. We look at how different Christian traditions approach scripture, why “authority” depends on community and context, and how revelation can be understood without requiring inerrancy or literalism. We have to have a more nuanced engagement with scripture that challenges false dichotomies between taking the Bible seriously and reading it...
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Queering Hanukkah
Queer Theology Podcast
As we come to the beginning of Hanukkah, Brian invites us to reimagine the Festival of Lights as a celebration of resistance, resilience, and the sacred spark within every queer body. When queering Hanukkah, we can explore how the Hanukkah story itself is rooted in defiance against erasure, and how its rituals can be reclaimed as affirming practices that honor queer joy, creativity, and survival. Resources: Learn more about Join us and be part of Queering Advent! .
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Moving Past Terrible Theology
Queer Theology Podcast
In this episode we dig into why leaving harmful churches isn’t enough, you also have to unlearn the bad theology you absorbed along the way. We talk about how lingering fear, shame, reactivity, or discomfort around sex, Scripture, or Christian community can reveal where old beliefs are still running the show, even for folks who’ve left evangelicalism, Catholicism, or grew up in progressive spaces without learning how to engage the Bible for themselves. We get into what unlearning actually looks like and why arguing on evangelical terms keeps you stuck. You gotta be able to rebuild...
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Preview: Queering Advent
Queer Theology Podcast
A guided audio experience for this time of waiting, dreaming, and preparing as we hope for and work toward liberation and salvation. Rituals and liturgical seasons like Advent are invitations for us to re-center on what is most important to us. This winter, journey with us through Advent to deepen your awareness of and commitment to the connections between queerness and faith. Learn more and register at An Advent practices that enriches your December, rather than stresses you out Brian & Shannon will offer a deeper reflection each Sunday of Advent—a mix of teaching, queer...
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An Advent Reflection for Uncertain Times
Queer Theology Podcast
Father Shannon kicks off the Advent season with a solo episode where he reflects on the meaning of Advent as both a spiritual and practical season of preparation. During this time of rising threats for trans, non-binary folks, and immigrants, uncertainty and fear hangs over us. Fr. Shannon offers some grounding reflections about community, care, safety, resistance, and showing up for one another. You’re encouraged to bring your journal to this one! The Christian story calls us to co-create a more just and compassionate world, and we encourage listeners not only to reflect, but to take action...
info_outlineWe’re joined on the podcast this week by Adam MacLean (@adammacattack) who is the founder of PostShame.org and #PostShame, online tools designed to help people examine their past for things they worry might leak on the internet, and then proactively share those stories themselves. By doing so, they transform these stories into narratives of strength and leadership, offering support to others struggling with similar challenges. He is also the host of the podcast
“Find Your Light with Adam MacLean”, where he navigates difficult conversations around shame, leadership, and self-acceptance. In these discussions, Adam integrates his expertise in holding space for others, helping listeners work through challenges related to the body, mind, and spirit—particularly within the realms of sacred intimacy.
In this conversation, Brian and Adam delve into the complexities of shame, particularly within the LGBTQ community. They explore the concept of post-shame, the impact of the internet on personal narratives, and the distinction between guilt and shame. Adam shares his personal journey, including his experiences with spirituality and 12-step programs, and how these intersect with his queerness. The discussion also touches on the significance of rituals in creating meaning and community, culminating in reflections on marriage and personal transformations. In this conversation, Adam and Brian explore the complexities of shame, relationships, and the impact of online culture on personal identity. They discuss the PostShame process, which helps individuals confront their pasts and navigate the challenges of public scrutiny. The dialogue delves into the nuances of sexuality, consent, and the importance of context in conversations about intimacy. They also touch on the experiences of men in today's society, the distinction between erotic and pornographic expressions, and the significance of gender affirmation in personal journeys.
Takeaways
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Dissolving shame is essential for self-acceptance.
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The internet amplifies the experience of shame.
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Guilt is about actions, while shame is about self.
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Community plays a crucial role in healing from shame.
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Rituals can help create meaning in our lives.
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Personal narratives can be transformed through sharing.
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Spirituality can be redefined outside traditional structures.
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Queerness and theology can coexist harmoniously.
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Self-expression is a radical act of love.
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Marriage can mark a significant shift in relationships. We can only make commitments in our relationships.
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Online shaming is not evenly distributed.
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The PostShame process helps individuals reclaim their narratives.
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Navigating shame involves understanding context and consent.
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Sexuality and shame are often intertwined in complex ways.
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The distinction between erotic and pornographic is crucial.
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Healing can involve somatic practices and intimacy.
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Men often struggle with loneliness and connection.
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Trans experiences challenge traditional notions of gender.
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Dissolving shame is a shared mission for many.
Chapters
03:05 – The Birth of Post-Shame and Personal Journey
07:11 – Understanding Guilt vs. Shame
10:09 – The Role of the Internet in Shaming
11:45 – Revisiting 12-Step Programs and Spirituality
14:55 – The Intersection of Queerness and Theology
19:19 – Rituals and Their Significance in Community
21:57 – Personal Reflections on Marriage and Rituals
31:46 – Interrogating Language and Relationships
33:14 – Moving Beyond Shame
34:28 – The PostShame Process
36:46 – The Impact of Online Shaming
38:07 – Navigating Sexuality and Shame
39:40 – Context and Consent in Conversations
42:46 – The Distinction Between Erotic and Pornographic
47:34 – Sacred Intimacy and Healing
50:27 – Male Loneliness and Connection
56:12 – Trans Experiences and Gender Affirmation
Resources:.
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Learn more about Adam at https://www.postshame.org/adammaclean
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Join our online community at Sanctuary Collective Community
If you want to support the Patreon and help keep the podcast up and running, you can learn more and pledge your support at patreon.com/queertheology