Affirming LGBTQ+ Christian Theology:
1. Queer Theology: Beyond Apologetics – Linn Marie Tonstad
A compelling primer on queer theology, going beyond “defending” LGBTQ+ lives and into deeper theological reflection. Also by Linn Marie Tonstad: God and Difference: The Trinity, Sexuality, and the Transformation of Finitude.
2. Outside the Lines: How Embracing Queerness Will Transform Your Faith – Mihee Kim-Kort
A beautifully written reflection on queerness as a theological gift and a way to deepen Christian faith.
3. Transforming: The Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians – Austen Hartke
A thoughtful book focused on transgender experience and theology. It combines biblical scholarship with personal and pastoral wisdom.
4. Our Lives Matter: A Womanist Queer Theology – Pamela R. Lightsey
A powerful book centering Black queer Christian experience, with a liberationist and justice-driven perspective. Dr. Lightsey was one of Father Santiago’s professors in seminary.
5. Radical Love: An Introduction to Queer Theology – Patrick S. Cheng
A foundational text in queer theology, written by an Episcopal priest, offering a theological framework centered on grace, love, and justice. Also from Patrick Cheng: Rainbow Theology: Bridging Race, Sexuality, and Spirit.
6. Take Back the Word: A Queer Reading of the Bible – Robert Goss (Editor)
A powerful collection of essays that reads the Bible through a queer lens, embracing inclusivity and reinterpretation.
7. Body Becoming: A Path to Our Liberation – Robyn Henderson-Espinoza
A theological and poetic exploration of embodiment, justice, and faith through a nonbinary and Latinx lens.
8. One Coin Found: How God’s Love Stretches to the Margins – by Emmy Kegler
A practical and deeply pastoral account of how we can find healing and love in affirming Christianity.
9. Coming Out as Sacrament – Chris Glaser
One of the earlier LGBTQ+ theologians writing from within a mainline church tradition—rich, pastoral, and affirming.
10. Black, Gay, British, Christian, Queer: The Church and the Famine of Grace – Jared Robinson-Brown
Thought-provoking book about the intersection of race and gender.
Children’s Books Recommendations:
1. Mother God – Teresa Kim Pecinovsky
Broadening our concept of who God is and how we can describe God.
2. God’s Holy Darkness – Becky Selnick
Broadening our concept of who God is and how we can describe God.
3. Love Makes a Family – Sophie Beer
Recognizing and celebrating the love that connects families of all types.
4. A Church for All – Gayle E. Pitman
A book about the church as open, affrming, and accepting. The Church chooses love not hate.
5. What is God Like? – Rachel Held Evans and Matthew Paul Turner
Introducing lots of varied images for what God is like.
Notable Mentions (in general category):
Outlove: A Queer Christian Survival Story – Julie Rodgers
The Courage to be Queer – Je Hood
Indecent Theology – Marcella Althaus-Reid
This is My Body: Hearing the Theology of Transgender Christians – Christian Beardsley and Michelle Esther O’Brian
A Queering of Black Theology: James Baldwin’s Blues Project and Gospel Prose – El. Kornegay Jr.