Unveiling Hidden Realms: Queer Devotion Challenges Spiritual Norms Beyond the Binary
With the wide range of traditions consulted, from actual historical figures to mythical ones, the book allows the reader to reclaim this heritage for themselves as they see fit. As someone who grew up Catholic but has since distanced themselves from the Church, I found the notion that I did not need to accept the Church’s depiction of God and could create my own to be deeply touching.
Every chapter has the same structure: there is an examination of the deity and their connection to queerness, followed by journal prompts and ritual suggestions. Queer Devotions also has an appendix including modified versions of the major Christian prayers, if the reader wishes to use them. Burgess emphasizes throughout the book that they are offering suggestions; it is up to the reader to personalize their religious practice and decide what’s right for them.
