Francis is a Vietnamese-American Catholic experiencing same-sex attraction and an extremely thoughtful friend! He joined us to share about his experiences with: family conversations and coming out, discerning the priesthood, pursuing celibacy, finding support through Eden Invitation, and the creative possibilities of celibacy and rootedness. We appreciated this conversation and hope it speaks to you as well!

Note: This episode uses the terms “Side A” and “Side B” (and X, Y) as shorthand quite a bit. If you’re new to the conversation, you might find it helpful to check out episode #3, where we talk through the four “sides”: ⁠#3 - A-B-Y-X | 4 Sides on SSA/Gay Sexuality⁠

—

★ Timestamps

(00:00) #87 - Discerning the Priesthood as a Vietnamese Catholic: Francis’s Story

(00:16) The son of two Catholic, Vietnamese immigrants

(03:37) Same-sex attraction and words in Vietnamese Catholic communities

(16:34) Coming out to parents to be a “safe space” in college

(23:28) My mom wanted to support me despite her theological beliefs

(33:44) Processing celibacy, stability, and intimacy in relationship

(40:55) Discerning seminary and a call to priesthood: Was sexuality a factor?

(58:21) The gifts of same-sex attraction

—

★ Send us feedback, questions, comments, support || Email: communionandshalom@gmail.com | Instagram: @newkinship | Substack: @newkinship

—

★ Credits || Creators and Hosts: David Frank, TJ Espinoza, Tyler Parker | Audio Engineer: Carl Swenson | Podcast Manager: Elena F. ★

In follow-up to some thoughtful considerations from our friend Odessa in response to our first Kinship Lab discussion on the Future of the Side B project, we continue the conversation around a potential covenant that could bind this nascent movement together. Our particular focus is on the dynamics and risks of harm (with and without) defined boundaries.

This is Part 1, so stay tuned for part 2 in September! (We are taking September off from recording.)

One thing we neglected to discuss a little more was a biblical explanation for covenants and how they work in Scripture and for people today. It’s super valuable to understand the way that God builds covenant as he brings us into deeper relationship with him. Anyone have a favorite resource on this? Hop over to Substack to join the conversation!

----

This podcast exists from the generous support from our listeners. If you would like to join the New Kin WhatsApp group to connect with us more and help keep all of our content available for free, then please sign up to support with any size regular gift through Substack—ever dollar is really helpful in helping us continue to build this work.

Our friend Hannah is a Brazilian-Canadian Side B Christian. She stopped by to share some reflections on how faith, family, and culture have shaped her understanding of sexuality. Also included: coming out in Latin American and North American church contexts, the value of therapy and Side B community, and the intentional friendships and practices that have sustained Hannah as she seeks a rooted, faithful life. We’re grateful for her wisdom, thoughtfulness, and curiosity.

Note: This episode uses the terms “Side A” and “Side B” (and X, Y) as shorthand quite a bit. If you’re new to the conversation, you might find it helpful to check out episode #3, where we talk through the four “sides”: ⁠#3 - A-B-Y-X | 4 Sides on SSA/Gay Sexuality⁠

—

★ Timestamps

00:00 #86 - Hannah’s Story of Side B Across 3 Countries and Seasons of Life

01:57 Hannah’s background, across the globe

04:36 Identifying queerness in culture(s) of non-curiosity

17:03 How close friendships are/aren’t different for women

21:44 Coming out in a politicized climate, and therapy

27:45 Hannah’s recs on helpful resources

41:39 What does community look like in your future (maybe)?

47:16 Walking with new friends in side A

53:47 Talking queer topics with women in the church

59:41 Brazilian vs. North American progress on faith/sexuality convos

01:02:09 And again: Therapy!

—

★ Send us feedback, questions, comments, and support || Email: communionandshalom@gmail.com | Instagram: @newkinship | Substack: @newkinship

—

★ Credits || Creators and Hosts: David Frank, TJ Espinoza, Tyler Parker | Audio Engineer: Carl Swenson, carlswensonmusic.com | Podcast Manager: Elena F. ★