The Passion of Christ: A Gay Vision

Meet Jesus as a gay man of today in a contemporary city with The Passion of Christ: A Gay Vision. In stunning new images, the modern Christ figure is jeered by fundamentalists, tortured by Marine look-alikes, and rises again to enjoy homoerotic moments with God. His surprisingly diverse friends join him on a journey from suffering to freedom. Readers call it “accessible but profound.” Some are moved to tears.

The 24 paintings in the gay Passion cover Jesus’ final days, including his arrest, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection. A queer Passion is important now because Christianity is being used to justify hate and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Each image is accompanied by insightful commentary, plus a short prayer and scripture. If Jesus came back today, would he be crucified all over again? Would we even recognize him? See for yourself in the gay vision of the Passion.

Author KITTREDGE CHERRY is an art historian and lesbian minister who founded JesusInLove.org to support LGBT spirituality and art. She was ordained by Metropolitan Community Churches.

Artist DOUGLAS BLANCHARD is professor of art and art history at Bronx Community College in New York City. He is active in the Episcopal Church.

“Disturbing, but ultimately glorious… Radically transforming…” —from the afterword by Toby Johnson, religion scholar and author of Gay Spirituality

“Transformative in the most profound sense of the word…. Whether you are religious or not, it is im- possible to read The Passion of Christ without having your basic beliefs shaken and expanded.” —Michael Bronski, Harvard professor and author of A Queer History of the United States

“I was deeply moved by this retelling of the Easter story.” —Rev. Troy Perry, founder of Metropolitan Community Churches

“Together the paintings and text forced me to see Jesus again… as a living, breathing, sensual son of man whom I want to know more intimately.” —Rev. Dr. Mel White, founder of Soulforce

“Deeply effective and brings to life the Passion not only for the LGBT community but for all people struggling to find themselves in the narrative and make sense of their faith.” —Rev. Sharon Ferguson, chief executive of the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement

“This marvelous book will speak not only to LGBTIQ Christians, but also to anyone who is passionate about creating a more just world for the marginalized and excluded.” —Rev. Patrick S. Cheng, Episcopal Divinity School professor