What is Stephen reading?
Research is a huge part of what makes a documentary come together. See some of what we’re reading, as we learn about the history of the LGBT+ rights movement, Christian action in this movement, and the HIV/AIDS crisis.
Hidden Mercy focuses on the response of Catholics during the HIV/AIDS crisis of the 80s and 90s. It's New York-centric. It's one of the most encouraging books on this topic I've read. The historical work is robust, but...this book has heart. O'Loughlin isn't simply writing an academic work, he's emphasizing the humanity in these stories. It's so good.
One of two comprehensive surveys of the gay rights movement I'm reading.
One of two comprehensive surveys of the gay rights movement I'm reading.
It's new. It's a must read for the political context of what was happening in the USA beginning in the FDR administration.
Queer Clergy, and Holmen's work, have formed a solid foundation for our historical work. When we need to know how a given mainline denomination responded to LGBT+ people, this is the source. It's a tome. But if you're interested in the history of a given denomination, this book gives a solid history. Well worth the price.
Bonus: The Backwater Sermons. Strictly, it's not part of our work on TBOCHA. But it's such a human reminder of the spirituality of LGBT+ folks. How many poets and prophets just like Jay Hulme were lost and quieted in the decades of this documentary?