Quakers Today: LGBTQ+ Faith, Gender, and Community

Quakers Today presents a special episode focusing on the intersection of LGBTQ+ identities and the Quaker faith community, inspired by the March 2026 issue of Friends Journal. The episode examines how spiritual communities can support gender and sexual diversity through storytelling and music, moving beyond simple acceptance to celebration. Featured segments include an interview with Reverend Dr. Tina Beardsley, one of the first transgender priests in the Church of England, discussing her five-decade ministry. Additionally, Quaker elder John Calvi performs a song related to the HIV/AIDS crisis, and author Ryan La Sala discusses his eco-horror novel, The Dead of Summer.

The discussion also covers topics such as uncovering queer history within religious contexts and reimagining traditional Quaker practices like 'clearness committees' as 'queerness committees.' The segment explores themes of struggle, resilience, and the influence of community for LGBTQ+ individuals within faith settings.