Dear Listeners,
This week, I’m joined by Dr. Ish Ruiz for an episode where we explore not only Ish’s own journey as a queer Catholic theologian from Puerto Rico, but also the deeper questions at the heart of queer theology itself: What does it mean to “queer” theology? What happens when we approach scripture, doctrine, and tradition from the margins rather than the center? And how might queer theology help us imagine a more liberatory, expansive understanding of God and the Church?
Dr. Ish Ruiz is an assistant professor of Latinx and Queer Decolonial Theology at Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California, where his work focuses on the intersections of queer theology, Catholicism, Latinx theology, sexual ethics, liberation, and ecclesiology. Over the years, Ish has become an important voice in conversations surrounding LGBTQ inclusion in the Church, Catholic education, and the spiritual dignity of queer people. His work is deeply rooted in both scholarship and ministry, shaped by over a decade of accompanying LGBTQ Catholics in schools, parishes, and pastoral spaces.
In this conversation, we discuss how queer theology does far more than simply advocate for LGBTQ inclusion or engage in LGBTQ apologetics. Queer theology “queers” theology by using the term queer as a verb: disrupting, inverting, and dismantling rigid or heteronormative interpretations of Christian doctrine. We talk about what it means to look at the world from a perspective on the margins (a queer perspective) rather than centralizing the magisterium.
We also talk about Ish’s theological vision for the church and the pastoral importance of reminding LGBTQ people that they are already beloved by God. Drawing from his work in ministry and ethics, Ish reflects on the ways queer Catholics have often been taught to forget their own goodness — and how theology can become a tool for healing, dignity, and liberation instead of shame.
During the episode, we also discuss Ish’s two recent books:
LGBTQ+ Educators in Catholic Schools: Embracing Inclusivity, Synodality, and Justice
Cornerstones: Sacred Stories of LGBTQ+ Employees in Catholic Institutions (co-edited volume of LGTBQ stories from New Ways Ministry)
Both books are important contributions to contemporary Catholic conversations around LGBTQ inclusion, labor, education, and justice.
If you’d like to learn more about Dr. Ish Ruiz, his scholarship, and his ongoing work in queer and Latinx theology, you can visit his website for more information.
As always, thank you for listening, supporting, and helping build these conversations together. I’m incredibly grateful to continue creating spaces where queer theology, Catholicism, liberation, and faith can meet honestly and expansively.
With gratitude,
Max
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