Dear Listeners,
This week on the podcast, we are joined by Willow Sipling, an intersex trans person, deep thinker, and survivor of Christian and Catholic fundamentalism. In our conversation, we explore The Transforming Power of Queerness — how queerness becomes not only an identity, but a way of making meaning inside systems that were never built for us. Willow’s reflections on faith, embodiment, and survival speak to something many of us know intimately: that queerness can be both the wound and the wisdom that transforms us.
When we talk about queerness in the context of fundamentalist religion, we’re really talking about power — about who is allowed to define what is holy, and who is told their existence is a mistake. But as Willow reminds us, queerness itself carries a kind of sacred defiance. It reimagines what faith and community can be. It binds us together through shared struggle, shared resilience, and the constant work of becoming.
We know that for many of our listeners, especially those who are queer or trans, these topics are not theoretical. They are deeply personal. This conversation is meant as an act of solidarity — to name what has been harmful, and to imagine what could be healing. As always, please take care of yourself as you listen. Step away if you need to. Come back when you’re ready.
📅 Upcoming from Maxwell Kuzma
As we enter LGBTQ History Month, we’re honoring the legacy of those who made space for us to live truthfully — and the ongoing work of those still building that space today. Look for more episodes this month celebrating queer liberation theology, solidarity, and joy.
Willow’s story is a reminder that transformation is not just possible — it’s already happening in the lives of queer people who refuse to give up on meaning, on each other, or on the possibility of the sacred.
🎧 You can listen to the podcast here on Substack, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
We’re so grateful you’re with us in this work. Leave a comment to let us know what resonates most with you or share this episode with a friend who might need it. Thank you for your solidarity and support.
In solidarity,
Max & Emma
