~ a few excellent discussions regarding queer paganism ~
queer pagans or queering paganism: a brief article discussing queer theory and queer pagan traditions
” … what happens when “Queer” is placed next to Pagan? It strikes me that there are two – related but divergent – ways in which the phrase “Queer Pagan” can be thought through. Firstly, as a noun, “Queer Pagan” can be read as an umbrella term, encompassing a multitude of identity-positions where perhaps the only commonality is varying degrees of commitment to refusing/resisting the heteronormative gender binary. However, it’s the second usage of “Queer Pagan” which I want to focus on for now, where “queer” is a verb, signifying a radical process of disruption – where the focus shifts from Queer Pagan as an identity-position towards Queering-Paganism as process.”
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gender and sexuality, and paganism: a patheos article discussing traditional and queered gender and sexuality themes in regards to paganism
” … the Pagan community nevertheless includes broad possibilities for the expression of gender identity. Traditional gender roles (such as the strong male warrior and the nurturing mother) are accepted and in some settings even affirmed. Some Pagan groups recognize a difference between “Male Mysteries” and “Female Mysteries” – male mysteries can include a celebration of hunting, athletic competition, the ethos of the warrior, and the cultivation of virtues such as bravery and honor; likewise, female mysteries can include the celebration of the menstrual cycle, the feminine journey from maiden to mother to crone, and the cultivation of traditionally “feminine” skills such as divination, herbalism, or healing work.”
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gay gods: an article summarising a few queer aspects of the gods
“… Apollo & Hyacinth (Greek) – Apollo, a god of music, dance, healing and inspiration, is known for taking male lovers, most notably Hyacinth. Hyacinth was mortally wounded. Unable to save his beloved, Apollo created the Hyacinth flower from his blood. Hyacinth later became a divine patron to those pursuing same sex love.
Dionysus (Greek) – As a god of wine, madness, poetry and love, Dionysus is depicted as soft and feminine, yet virile and strong. He wore women’s clothing to hide from his stepmother’s wrath. Dionysus became lovers with the gods Adonis and Hermaphrodite.”
