Brian is joined by his longtime friend, Michael R. Speciàle (@speciale.mr) on this pod this week for an interview that is funny, provocative, and moving. Michael is a writer, performer, and cultural strategist based in Los Angeles. He grew up between Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington, converted himself to the Mormon Church at fifteen, faithfully served a mission in Paraguay, and left the Church at twenty-three. Two decades later, that experience became the catalyst for “Bottoming for Jesus” which is his debut solo work. The conversation is an exploration of faith, sexuality, belonging, and the search for purpose. Drawing from his experience converting to Mormonism as a teenager, serving as a missionary, and later embracing his queer identity, Michael reflects on the performances we all give to find acceptance, the ways religion and desire can intertwine, and the lingering impact of religious trauma. Brian and Michael discuss queer hospitality, hookup culture, creative healing, and the surprising ways friendship shaped both of their lives. They also unpack the show’s irreverent title, its liturgical structure, the role of Judy Garland as a queer patron saint, and Michael’s powerful reimagining of atonement and repentance as practices of self-acceptance rather than shame. Michael invites listeners to consider what holes they’re trying to fill, and what it might mean to finally come home to themselves.
Resources:
- Follow Michael on IG: https://instagram.com/speciale.mr, https://instagram.com/familyaffairs.studio, https://instagram.com/bottomingforjesus
- Learn more about the show “Bottoming for Jesus” at https://bottomingforjesus.com
- https://familyaffairs.studio/edinburgh/bfj
- https://tickets.zoofestival.co.uk/event/124:2011/
- Learn more and join the Community at https://www.queertheology.com/community/
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