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!

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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

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★ 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!

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

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

Shela Chan joins us to discuss her journey to faith and the research that now shapes her work at the intersection of queer theology, ethics, and social science. Drawing on her own story and doctoral research, Shela examines how theology and empirical insights can inform Christian understandings of human flourishing, belonging, and trauma while challenging the ways churches can unintentionally marginalize LGBTQ people.

Note: This episode uses the terms “Side A” and “Side B” 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

★ About Our Guest:

Shela Chan is a Ph.D. student of Theological and Social Ethics at Fordham University in New York. Her background includes mission work in Afro-Eurasia, and she holds a Master of Divinity degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Her academic research focuses on holistic human development and flourishing at the intersection of sexuality and attachment theory. You can find her on Instagram @shechannnnn.

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★ Timestamps

(00:00) #85 - Shela Chan: Reflections on Social Science and Christian Ethics

(02:17) Shela’s story: From queer liberation to finding yourself in Jesus

(18:18) Post-conversion: Queer experience, spiritual growth

(41:57) How we interpret the Bible determines where we end up

(47:00) Can Adam and Eve be archetypes for us today?

(58:15) The archetype of the eunuch and the “ideal male”

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★ Links and References

* The Romance of Innocent Sexuality, Geoffrey Rees (2011)

* About Tim Keller’s gay brother: https://ap.org.au/2024/10/01/timothy-kellers-brother/

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★ Send us feedback, questions, comments, and support!

Email: communionandshalom@gmail.com | Instagram: @newkinship | Substack: @newkinship | Patreon: @newkinship

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★ Credits

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