What does the Bible say about gender and identity? (9/16/23)

Heated debates about gender expression, sexuality, access to transgender healthcare, and drag performance have become commonplace in the American public sphere. What guidance does the Bible offer about understanding gender identity? How can, and why should, Holy Scripture be applied to contemporary questions about Transgender issues and drag performance? How does the intense public scrutiny about these questions impact the health, well-being, and spiritual vibrancy of drag performers and gender nonconforming individuals? How do drag performers view Christian faith and spirituality during this contentious cultural moment? What do gender nonbinary people, drag performers, and other members of the LGBTQIA+ have to teach the church about integrating faith and spirituality into a gender-diverse and inclusive society?

Join us  for a thoughtful, compassionate, and theologically-grounded conversation about these issues and more, as we engage with prominent Philadelphia-area drag performers to hear their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of the contentious political and civic context in which they live and practice their performance.

The event is free and open to the public. RSVPs are encouraged as light refreshments will be served.

This program is co-sponsored by the LGBTQIA+ of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral, St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Roxborough (Philadelphia), St. Peter’s Church in the Great Valley (Malvern, PA), the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas (Philadelphia), the Philadelphia Theological Institute, and The General Theological Seminary (New York City).

Questions about the event can be directed to lgbtqia@diopa.org.

Questions about The Episcopal Diocese can be directed to the Rev. Canon Toneh Smyth at tsmyth@diopa.org.

Learn more about the work of the LGBTQIA+ Committee Here