As major spring holidays like Ramadan, Holi, Easter, and Passover unfold, queer individuals often grapple with feelings of exclusion from traditional faith settings. Many have faced anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments from monotheistic religions, struggling to find a spiritual home. The author reflects on their upbringing in an Italian-American Catholic environment, where they felt condemned as a gay man. A transformative moment occurred in college when an elder invoked a Roman Goddess instead of a traditional figure, opening their eyes to alternative spiritual paths beyond the confines of strict religious dogma.
After years of being told I was a sinner, I finally recognized the sacred connection I felt through my queer identity and alternative spiritual paths.
The moment I heard the elder invoke the Roman Goddess instead of a Catholic figure was transformative, showing me there are diverse ways to connect spiritually.
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