A Gay Pagan Primer
What this small contribution is aimed at, is just to introduce newcomers to some of the ideas inherent in Gay (bear in mind, I include Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered in the term Gay just for convenience) Paganism.
Gay Paganism exists in a bit of a void. We are marginalized in many respects by lots of established groups, and this whole polarity idea really sucks for us.
That's not so say that there aren't any groups who are accepting, supportive and inclusive of Gay Pagans. There are. And there are groups who are all about celebration of Gay Pagansim (see the Radical Faeries, the Minoans and otehrs).
But for the most, part the rich history of Gay Pagans has been demeaned and censored. So our first job as the inheritors of this ancient tradition is to learn about our ancestors and the parts they played in weaving the tapestry that is the human religious experience.
My own library on the subject is admittedly limited, but I do have some very good suggestions for starting points.
Cassell's Encylcopedia of Queer Myth, Symbol and Spirit by Randy P. Connor, David Hatfield Sparks and Mariya Sparks is an absolute must own. Being and encyclopeia, it doesn't make for a great read, but it contains so many facts and tales about the importance of gays in the spiritual experience, it can not be denied its place.
Blossom of Bone by Randy P. Connor is a much more enjoyable read, though scholarly in its tone. It is also an essential. A minor Caveat, Blossom of Bone deals mostly with the history and experience of the gay male throughout religious history. That said, it is an amazing, influential and necessary read for anyone who wants to learn about who we were, what happened and who we want to be.
Witchrcaft and the Gay Counterculture by Arthur Evans (who has his own entry in Cassell's Encyclopedia of Queer Myth, Symbol and Spirit and who has been a prominent figure in the development of modern Gay Paganism), is one of those books. If you are worried about your name showing up on a list at the FBI or CIA or another one of those shadowy organizations, stay away from it. Evans is very outspoken in his philosophy and even ruminates about the overthrow of the current ruling class in favor of one based on magick. Witchcaft is as inflammatory as it is informational. Altogether a great work is you want to take the risk.
As already stated, my own library on the subject is limited. If there is anyone out there reading this who kows of works I should read/own/cherish, please contribute your knowledge by droping me an email.