Being Queer is The Holiest Thing I've Ever Done: A Reflection on Spirituality, Honesty, Vulnerability, and Divinity

by Tamice Spencer-Helms

Throughout my journey within the realm of white evangelicalism, the overarching theme was always the holiness of God—a concept that, for a long time, seemed to breed more shame within me than anything else. This shame wasn't just about what I did or didn't do; sometimes, it was about not feeling guilty enough. As I've embarked on a process queer spirituality and "unleavening," my perspective has shifted radically. I've come to understand that holiness is less about proximity to some divine standard and more about the posture of honesty and vulnerability. This revelation has profoundly changed my understanding of what it means to live a holy life, especially as it intersects with my queer identity.

The Essence of Queer Holiness: Spirituality, Honesty, and Vulnerability

The realization that holiness is synonymous with honesty was a groundbreaking moment for me. Holiness, I've come to see, is not about adhering to a set of rigid standards but about being true to one…